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J\W^i^'Ki':HhJipS»-!c 



IN MEMORIAM. 



Hon. Joseph R. Bodwell, 



GOVERNOR OF MAINE. 



Bom June i8, 1818. Died December 15, 1887. 



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PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR # COUNCIL. 



AUGUSTA: 

BURLEIGH & FLYNT, PRINTERS TO THE STATE. 

1888. 



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■B6(; 



STATP: of MAINE. 



In Council. December 20, 1887. 

Ordered, That a special committee be appointed to employ a suitable 
person to prepare a report of the ceremonies of the funeral of the late 
Governor Bodwell and liave the same printed. Read and passed by the 
Council, and by the Governor approved. 

ORAMANDAL SMITH, 

Secretary of State. 



STATE OF MAINE. 



Council Chamber, 1 
Augusta, December 29, 1887. J 

Dr. WM. B. LAPHAM, Augusta, Maine. 

Dea7- Sir : The undersigned, a c<miuiittee of the Council apjiointod bj'' 
Governor Marble pursiumt to the foregoing oi'dcr, knowing your friend- 
siiip for our late esteemed Governor Bodwell. and having confidence in 
your qualifieations for such a dutj'. invite you to prepare a brief bio- 
graphical sketch of our late Governor, an account of his sickness, 
death and funeral, with such tributes from the jiress, and resolutions of 
respect passed on the occasion, and such other matter as may be deemed 
appropriate, in manner and form to be printed. 

Very Respectfully, 

Elliott Wood, 

Geo. M. Warren, ]■ Committee. 

Eben E. Rand, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



Joseph Robinson Bodwell was born in Methuen, Mass., 
June 18, 1818, and was the tenth in a family of eleven child- 
ren. The house where he and his brothers and sisters were 
born, situated in that part of Methuen which, in 1847, was 
set off and incorporated as Lawrence, is still standing in a 
good state of preservation. It is now owned by Mr. Fred 
Clark, agent of the Pemberton Mills, who has a residence 
opposite, and has been occupied for a number of years by 
teachers of the High School. This house, which was occu- 
pied by five generations of Bodwells, is an old-fashioned 
mansion house, similar to those erected quite generally by 
well-to-do New England farmers a hundred years ago. It is 
of good size, two stories high, and surrounded by grand old 
trees. One of these trees is said to have been set out 
the day before Governor Bodwell's father was born. Joseph 
Bodwell, father of the Governor, was a kind-hearted, gener- 
ous man, was always cheerful, and had a pleasant word for 
every one who came beneath his roof-tree. Many a weary 
traveller found welcome and hospitality at his fireside and 
table. He was a man of influence, was one of the directors 
of the old Andover bridge across the Merrimack, possessed 
a sound judgment and his opinion was sought after and valued 
on many occasions. But he became involved in suits at law, 
lost money by signing notes for friends, and finally, in 1829, 
he sold the old place and removed to a less pretentious one 
in West Haverhill. He always predicted that there would 
be a city at the Falls, and lived to see it commenced. Mary 
How, the mother of Governor Bodwell, born January 17, 



6 



1771, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Carlton) How, was 
a superior and cultured woman. Her family was always 
prominent and influential in Methuen, and her relatives sup- 
plied deacons for the Congregational church there for more 
than a century. She was a sister of the late Daniel How, a 
successful Portland merchant. Joseph Bodwell was a team- 
ster as well as farmer, and engaged more or less in conveying 
wood, lumber and country pi'oduce to Salem, and later, to 
Lowell, bringing back merchandise for the traders in Methuen, 
Haverhill and Andover. He could turn his hand to almost 
anything, and this peculiarity was inherited by the late 
Governor. 

Joseph R. Bodwell lived with his parents upon the Bod- 
well farm until he was eight years of age. His oldest sister, 
Mary, was now married to Patrick Flemming, who owned and 
occupied a farm in the Avestei'n part of Methuen, about five 
miles from the Bodwell homestead. Joseph was her favorite 
brother, and when she became settled in her new home, she 
wished him to live with her, and he could easily be spared, 
for without him the family was still large. He lived with his 
sister eight years, at which time Patrick Flemming died. He 
had now developed into a sturdy youth, and already begun 
to exhibit many of those qualities which distinguished his 
maturer years. He thus early aspired to the ownership of 
real estate, and after the death of his brother-in-law, he and 
his father purchased of his sister and others, the Flemming 
farm, which was one of the best in that portion of the State. 
As his parents advanced in years, both being feeble and past 
labor, an arrangement was made, in 1848, by which they 
went to live with their daughter, Mrs. Asa Simonds, when 
the Flemming farm became the property of Joseph R. Bod- 
well and his brother Henry. The parents died before the 
close of the year 1848, with an interval of only three weeks 
between the dates of their deaths. 

It was soon after the Bodwells purchased the Flemming 
farm that the attention of the Lawrences, and other Boston 
manufacturers and capitalists, was directed to the advantages 



of the fulls upon the Merrimack river, within the town of 
Methuen, known as Bodwell's Falls, for manufacturing pur- 
poses. The land about the falls was soon purchased, building 
operations w^ere at once commenced on an extensive scale, 
and the frame for the first house built under the new regime 
was furnished by Joseph R. and Henry Bodwell, who now 
owned and were operating a saw-mill in connection with their 
other business. The brothers were plowing in the field when 
Mr. Job Jenness came and desired them to furnish the frame 
for a house. With characteristic energy they repaired to the 
mill, sawed the timber for the frame, and the following day 
took it to Lawrence, a distance of five miles. When the dam 
across the Merrimack was being built, Joseph R. and Henry 
Bodwell Avere employed in hauling the granite from the quar- 
ries in Pelham, N. H., for its construction. It required an 
immense amount of stone for this purpose, and it was while 
thus employed that Governor Bodwell took his initial lesson 
in that business which became his life pursuit, and in 
which he achieved great success. He here became familiar 
with all the numerous processes involved in quarrying, 
handling and working granite, and it was at this period, while 
cultivating the Flemming farm, that he formed that attach- 
ment to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising which he never 
lost, and which became his pastime in later years. In pro- 
cess of time the brothers made a division of their property, 
Joseph R. taking the farm for his share, and Henry the mills. 
By greater care in its cultivation, the farm had become more 
productive and had greatly increased in value. In 1848, Mr. 
Bodwell was married and brought his wife to this farm, and 
here his family continued to reside until he moved to Hallo- 
well, in 1866. 

It was not poverty, as has frequently been stated, that 
caused Joseph R. Bodwell to leave the paternal roof at the 
tender ago of eight years. His father had a large family, it 
is true, and his means had been somewhat reduced by the 
dishonesty of those whom he had befriended, but ho was able 
to meet the demands of his household, and if they lacked 



8 



some of the luxuries, as did most families iu those days, his 
family certainly never wanted for any of the necessaries of 
life. He left home because his childless sister wanted him 
and needed his companionship, and he there received the full 
measure of a sister's affection. He assisted his brother-in-law 
upon the farm, aided his sister in her household duties, at- 
tended the district school, learned the cordwainer's trade, 
and devoted his evenings and mornings to mending and mak- 
ing shoes. This was a busy life for a boy, but it was char- 
acteristic of Joseph R. Bodwell, both as boy and man. He 
was early noted for honesty, perseverance, economy and 
thrift, and these sterling qualities became leading traits in his 
character. He developed physical as well as mental strength, 
and thus, with mind and body evenly balanced, in bis maturer 
manhood he possessed great poAvers of endurance, and was 
able to execute the business projects which his fertile and 
active mind conceived and matured. As has been appropri- 
ately said of another distinguished New Englander who came 
up from the lower walks of life and attained to the highest 
honors, " the defects of his scholarship, the laborious period 
of his youth, and the humble avocations of his early man- 
hood, were favorable to his fortunes." In the case of Gov- 
ernor Bodwell, they seemed to keep him on a level with the 
masses of the people, and enabled him to understand and in- 
terpret their desires and purposes with accuracy. He early 
developed in a marked degree that peculiar assemblage of 
physical, mental and moral qualities so requisite to the suc- 
cessful management of great business enterprises, requiring 
the employment of large numbers of men. 

In 1852 in company with Hon. Moses Webster, who deceased 
at Rockland about a year ago. Governor Bodwell came to 
Maine. They had been friends in Massachusetts, had worked 
together at the Pelham quarries, both in their earlier years 
had worked at shoemaking, and besides they were remotely 
related, though it is doubtful if either of them was ever 
aware of this fact. It was in this way. Henry Bodwell, the 
ancestor of the Governor, married Bethiah, daughter of John 



Emery, Jr., of Newbury, whose mother was Mary, daughter 
of John Webster of Ipswich, and John Webster was there- 
fore the common ancestor of Moses Webster and Joseph R. 
Bodwell, about six generations back. Under the firm name 
of Bodwell and Webster, they commenced operating in granite, 
in a small way, having their headquarters upon the South 
Fox Island, now the sea-girt town of Vinalhaven in Penobscot 
Bay. At their small beginning, it is said that Mr. Bodwell 
drove the ox team used in moving the granite, and shod the 
animals with his own hands. From this small starting point, 
spi'ang wondrous results. Soon the business increased, the 
fii'm name became Bodwell, Webster and Company, and cap- 
ital sought investment in the new enterprize. 

The next change was the organization of the Bodwell 
Granite Company with a sufficient capital, and leading busi- 
ness men to aid in the management of its aft'airs, but the 
moving and master spirit from the very tirst was Joseph R. 
Bodwell, who, soon after he came to Maine, was recognized 
as the leading granite man of the United States. He was 
chosen the first president of the Company and held that 
position to the day of his death. Under his prudent and 
energetic management, it became the leading granite corpora- 
tion in the country. Mr. Bodwell had long felt the need, in 
his business operations, of granite of a lighter color and Hner 
texture than thtit which he had quarried at Vinalhaven, for 
monumental work, and for artistic designs in architecture. 
The llallowell granite presented all these rare qualities, and 
in 186G, Mr. Bodwell moved his family from Methuen to 
Hallowell, and a little later, organized the llallowell Granite 
Company, of which he was made president and chief executive 
officer. Soon after the Company was organized the business 
assumed huge proportions. The products of the association 
have been sent into almost every State in the Union. Its 
colossal statuary, rivalling in durability and beauty the iinest 
marble, is to be found in all our great cities from Portland to 
New Orleans, and it has an increasing and widely extending 
demand. The following: list embraces some of the more 



10 

prominent buildings nnd monuments which have been con- 
structed from the product of the quarries of the two associations 
of which Mr. Bodwell was president : 

New State, "War and Navy Departments Building, Wash- 
ington, D. C. ; Masonic Temple, Record building, and Penn- 
sylvania R. R. Passenger Station, &c., Philadelphia ; new Court 
House and Post Office, Atlanta, Ga. ; new Custom House 
and Post Office, Cincinnati, Ohio ; new County and City Build- 
ing, new Board of Trade Building, Offices for Pullman Co., 
Counselman Building, Home Insurance Co. Building, Chicago, 
111. ; St. Louis Bridge, Missouri ; New York and Brooklyn 
Bridge, Welles Building, Mutual Life Insurance Company 
Building, Manhattan Bank Building, Kelley Building, &c., 
New York ; Wellington Building, Jordan, Marsh & Co. Build- 
ing, &c., Boston; new Custom House and Post Office, Fall 
River, Mass. ; Peabody Town Buildings, Peabody, Mass., &c. ; 
Gen. A\'ool Monument, Tro}', N. Y. ; Pilgrim Monument, 
Plj'mouth, Mass. ; Yorktown Monument; Smith jNIonument, 
Philadelphia, Pa. ; mausoleum and monument for Dr. Gibson, 
Jamestown, Pa., &c. ; new Post Office and Custom House, 
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; basement of new Post Office and Court 
House at Erie, Penn. ; North Western Insurance Co. Building, 
]Milwaukee, Wis. ; polished granite for the State House, 
Indianapolis, Indiana, ; New York Equitable Life Building, 
New York City; State Capitol Building, Albany, N. Y. : 
West Museum of Art Building, New York City ; mausoleum 
for Governor Fenton of Jamestown, New York, &c., &c. 
The Sphynx in Mount Auburn Cemetery, a stupendous mon- 
ument, was quarried and cut at Hallowell. This list embraces 
only some of the larger operations undertaken and completed 
by the two companies. The minor contracts for soldiers' 
monuments and other monumental work are far too many to 
be enumerated here. But the list given is sufficient to indi- 
cate the vast amount of responsibility which rested upon Gov- 
ernor Bodwell as the chief business manager, and the success- 
ful completion of all these numerous contracts, involving the 
outlay of many millions, shows business tact and ability of a 



11 



very high order. It involved the constant employment of a 
small army of workmen, including first class artists and arti- 
sans, and workers of every grade. The two corporations 
nnder Governor Bodwell's management never found any diffi- 
culty in the employment of help. They never had any 
strikers among their workmen, and a good man once in their 
employ never thought of leaving it. From his own experi- 
ence, Governor Bodwell knew how to sympathize with the 
laborins: classes. He interested himself in their individual 
prosperity, and men in his employ soon came to regard him 
as their personal friend. 

The active mind of Governor Bodwell, not content with 
the business intrusted to him by the two great granite compa- 
nies, sought investment and profit in other enterprises. He had 
interests in ice and lumbering on the Kennebec, in land, 
lumbering and milling operations on the Penobscot, in, 
several water supply companies, and in a projected line of 
railway between New York and Boston. A minor operation 
but one which promised important results, was the develop- 
ment of a sea-side resort at Cape Small Point on the coast of 
Maine. He never lost his interest in agriculture, and soon 
aftei' he came to Hallowell, he purchased a fine farm in the 
suburbs of that city, which he improved and enlarged frqm 
time to time, by purchase, until he possessed one of the best 
and most productive farms on the Kennebec. A few years 
ago, he purchased for a small sum an old and run-down farm 
situated some five miles west of Hallowell, of one of his 
workmen who had failed to get a living from it. It contained 
a large area of bog-land, the bed of an ancient pond, and by 
draining and other improvements, under Governor Bodwell's 
direction, it soon became one of the best stock farms in the 
county. 

In 1879, in partnership with Mr. Hall C. Burleigh, Gov- 
ernor Bodwell commenced the importation of pure-bred stock, 
and this was continued for several years. The importations 
embraced Hereford, Polled Angus and Sussex cattle, and 
Shropshire and Dorset sheep. This was not entered into as 



12 



a money-making enterprise on the part of Governor Bodwell, 
but as a pastime from more arduous duties, and as a means 
of assisting a friend. The business was eminently success- 
ful, and not only served its original purpose of an amuse- 
ment or diversion, but it was a source of financial gain, of 
great importance, at least to one of the partners, and also 
accomplished a great amount of good in the improvement of 
stock in numy parts of the country. They sold animals from 
their farms in Hallowell and Vassalborough all over New 
England, into several of the Middle States, and no small part 
of their importations went to improve the breeds on the great 
stock ranches and ranges of the far west. 

Governor Bodwell was not a politician in the ordinary 
meaning of the term, but he always took a deep interest in 
public affairs, and few men had a clearer appreciation of what 
constitutes true American citizenship. He never sought offi- 
cial distinction, but office was sometimes thrust upon him. 
Twice he served in the lower branch of the Maine Legisla- 
ture as representative from the city of Hallowell, where his 
vigorous manhood and excellent financial judgment, as well 
as other sterling qualities, were quickly recognized, and gave 
him a high standing in this popular branch of the State Gov- 
ernment. For two terms also, by virtue of the almost unan- 
imous suffrage of her citizens, he served as mayor of his 
adopted city of Hallowell. His name was mentioned in con- 
nection with the gubernatorial office some years before he 
would consent to become a candidate. A ^e\v years ago he 
told the writer that he had been approached upon the subject 
by leading and influential men of his party, but he said most 
emphatically that he did not want the office, that his time 
was so taken up with his large business interests that he could 
not afford to be Governor. But being constantly impor- 
tuned, in 1886, reluctantly, as many well know, he consented 
to have his name presented to the nominating convention. It 
only required this to insure a unanimous nomination, and an 
election by a very large majority. After his inauguration, 
the public well know with what modesty he assumed the 



13 



great trusts imposed upon him, and with what fidelity he ad- 
ministered the affairs of the government. Simple in his 
habits, easily approachable, a patient listener, prompt to de- 
cide and act, courteous even in his refusals, he won the esteem 
and respect of all with whom he came in otficial contact. 
The eulogiums gathered from the press of the State, and re- 
printed in another place, indicate the esteem and regard in 
which he was held by all, without regard to party. He was 
decided in his convictions of oflicial duty, and all his acts as 
Governor strongly bear his impress. 

In private life Governor Bodwell's character was above re- 
proach. During the exciting gubernatorial campaign, when, 
if a candidate has any defects, or has been guilty of any 
lapses, they are sure to be brought against him, and when it 
is frequently the case that false accusations are made for par- 
tisan purposes, no word was written or spoken affecting the 
good name of Governor Bodwell, and he was opposed on 
party grounds alone. Honest in his dealings with mankind, 
acquiring wealth only by legitimate means, he was generous 
in his impulses and his private benefactions were many. Pie 
also contributed liberally of his means in aid of public chari- 
ties, in support of educational institutions and for the cause 
of religion. In his quiet, unostentatious way, he was con- 
stantly aiding those whom sickness or adverse fortune had 
made needy, and the poor of Hallovvell were among his most 
devoted friends. His nature was sympathetic, and in his in- 
tercourse with those with whom business or office brought 
him in contact, he was invariably courteous and kind. The 
members of his council and his military staff recognized him 
not only as their official head, but his demeanor toward them 
was such that they soon regarded him as a personal friend, 
and interested in everything pertaining to their welfare. 
This is why these officials and all associated with him in the 
State Government, as well as hosts of friends, regard the 
death of Governor Bodwell as a personal bereavement. 

In religious belief Governor Bodwell was a Universalist, 
but he was free from bigotry, and was a Christian in the 



14 



broadest sense of the word. He had faith in our reliirious 
institutions, and believed in giving them a cheerful and lib- 
eral support. He was a member of the Board of -Trustees 
of Westbrook Seminary, and often contributed liberally to 
its funds. He believed in temperance and in the enforcement 
of the laws ag'ainst the infamous traffic in intoxicatins: drinks. 
No previous Governor of Maine had manifested so much in- 
terest in this matter, and while he thereby made enemies of 
parties in interest, the law-abiding citizens of the State, and 
all those whose support is of any value, were rallying around 
him. He believed in kindness to dumb animals, and nothing 
vexed him more than their abuse, either from lack of food, 
from overloading, or from the unreasonable api)lication (»f the 
whip or goad, by those in his employ. He made it a prac- 
tice to caution all newly hiied teamsters that their term of 
ofBce would depend very much upon the treatment of the 
animals committed to their care. His kind and sym[)athetic 
nature rebelled against the ill-treatment of either animal or 
person. He was especially kind to the young, and among 
his sincerest mourners are little children, to whom he has 
spoken words of encouragement or aided in ;i mure material 
way. He received his friends with generous, old-fashioned 
hospitality, and with no useless forms and ceremonies. In 
his iamily he u as kind and indnlgciit, giatif^ iug ever}' reason- 
able desire, a model husband and father. The loss of a man 
possessing these grand qualities, even from the quiet walks 
of life, is keenly felt, but when a public man, (jue so inti- 
mately connected with our material interests of business and 
government, is suddenly removed by death, it creates a void 
not easily filled, and causes a whole State to mourn. 

Governor Bodwell enjoyed robust health, rarely losing a 
day from sickness. He had naturally a strong constitution, 
and his early physical training, and life in the open air, com- 
bined with strictly temperate habits, kept his physical system 
in excellent condition. His fatal sickness, therefore, coming 
upon him so suddenly, without premonition, striking him 
down in the vigor and strength of well matured manhood, 



15 



was to many almost unaccountable. On the 5th day of Decem- 
ber Governor and Mrs. Bodwell took the cars at Hallowell, 
intending to go to Rockland, and while away his purpose was 
to make an official visit to the State Prison at Thomaston. 
Arriving at Brunswick, and while waiting for the Bath train, 
having taken Mrs. Bodwell to the ladies' room, the Governor 
went out to meet some gentlemen who had expressed a desire 
to converse with him on some matters of business. He had 
been out only a few moments, when a waiter from the dining 
room came in, and, motioning for Mrs. Bodwell to come out, 
he informed her that the Governor had been taken suddenly 
ill. When she reached the dining room she found him sitting 
by a table and leaning over it, his face deadly pale, with 
great beads of perspiiation covering his forehead, and suffer- 
ing the keenest anguish through the chest, left shoulder and 
left arm. A messenger was instantly despatched for Dr. 
Alfred jMitchell of the Maine Medical School, and he was 
soon in attendance upon the Governor. He pronounced it 
angina pectoris,* a veiy dangerous disease, and one of the 
most painful known to the medical profession. By the ap- 
plication of the proper remedies, the Governor soon had tem- 
porary relief. 

Govei-nor Bodwell had every needed attention while at 
Brunswick, and remained there until the arrival of the after- 
noon train, when a bed was extemporized on board, and he 
was brought to his home in Hallowell. It fortunately hap- 
pened that his family physician. Dr. W. L. Thompson, 
(homeopathic) was on this train, and, having assisted his 
patient home, he afterward, with the assistance of his son, 
Dr. W. S. Thompson, took charge of the case. Dr. Mitchell 
of Brunswick called once, and Dr. George E. Brickett of 
Augusta, twice during his sickness, at the request of the fam- 
ily, but the case continued in charge of the Doctors Thomp- 

* Literally, "anguish in the breast." This is the disease of which Charles Sumner died. 
The precise nature of the disease is not vei-y well known. It is generally connected with some 
morbid condition of the heart, and is called sometimes neuralgia of the heart. The first attack 
is sometimes fatal, and it is the opinion of Dr. Thompson that but for the prompt and vigorous 
treatment of Dr. Mitchell, Governor Bodwell would have died at Brunswick. 



16 



son until the end. Under their treatment he improved, and 
Tuesday nio:ht was free from pain. He remained better until 
Thursday noon following, when he had another severe attack 
of pain in the region of the heart. This was relieved by his 
physician, and after that time he suffered scarcely any pain. 
His tongue cleared, his appetite was soon restored, and his 
family and friends felt confident of a speedy recovery. From 
Friday, the 9th, to Monday, the 12th, he continued to im- 
prove, and rested well at night. Then he began to have 
restless nights, would lose his breath on dropping off to sleep, 
and required a frequent change of position. He continued 
much the same through Tuesday night and Wednesday, On 
Wednesday evening he felt encouraged, and dictated a tele- 
gram to a friend stating that he "felt himself on the up- 
grade." During the early part of the night he was somewhat 
restless, but had occasional short intervals of sleep. At three 
o'clock he was helped to his easy chair, reclining in which, he 
had two hours of quiet, refreshing sleep. At five he awoke 
and asked to be conducted to his bed. He remained there 
only a few minutes, when he Avished to be returned to his 
chair and exclaimed, "Get me there quickly." Tlicse were 
his last words. His attendants aided him in reachiufy his 
chair, but before being seated he dropped back into it and 
expired Avithout a groan or a struggle — a painless death. He 
died at 5.30 A. M., Dec. 15th. The particulars of his sickness 
were kindly furnished by Dr. Thompson, who pronounces the 
immediate cause of his death to have l)eeu " heart failure," 
and the more remote cause, congestion of the anterior left 
lung from a cold contracted on the night '>f Friday, Decem- 
ber 2d, while the Governor was returning from Bostcju. 

It is the opinion of the writer that Governor Bodwell over- 
tasked himself, and that overwork had much to do with bring- 
ing on the fatal disease. There will be those who think 
differently, but some of his most intimate I'ricnds coincide 
with this view. All will agree that there is a limit to human 
endurance, and Governor Bodwell certainly had business 
cares and responsibilities sutBcient for any one nuui before he 



17 



became Goveinor. His time for years had all been occupied, 
and he gave himself scarcely any vacations or periods of rest, 
lie Avas obliged to spend more or less of his time in travelii g 
upon business matters, and was necessaril}' somewhat irregu- 
lar in taking his meals and in his hours of sleep. It was a 
maivel to those acquainted with his immense business respon- 
sibilities, and the enforced irregularities in his mode of living 
I'equired in its prosecution, how he could l)ear up under the 
constant tension, and continue so apparently I'obust and healthy. 
Hir naturally strong constitution, his powerful muscular de- 
velopment, his life-long total abstinence fiom the inebriating 
cup, and his indomitable will, all conspii-ed to keep up his 
health and strength. But Governor Bodwell had arrived at 
that age when the powers of life, undei' the most favorable 
circumstances, begin to weaken, and when, instead of assum- 
ing more and greater responsibilities, it is the duty of every 
business man to begin to relieve himself of those which he 
already has. Governor Bodwell had thought of this and 
talked of it, but he had not yet found the place where he 
thought he could I)egin to curtail his business or transfer his 
responsibilities to other hands. 

He alhnved himself to be elected Governor of Maine, and 
no man ever assumed the duties of the gubernatorial office 
with a higher sense of its responsibilities. A residence in the 
State of nearly forty yeai's had made him familiar with her 
great material interests, and the day he was elected he began 
to take measures to render himself familiar with the State 
institutions, with a view to intelligent administration of State 
aflairs. He gave largely of his time to these objects, and 
still kept pace with the demands of his private business. 
When he was inaugurated, he was all ready to assume the 
duties of his office, and Maine never had a more conscientious, 
painstaking chief magistrate. The duties of Governor are 
moi'e arduous than formerly, and the calls upon his time in- 
crease from year to year. No great public occasion is now 
considered complete without his presence and co-operation. 



18 

These duties, with the demands of his ever increasing busi- 
ness, kept Governor Bodwell almost constant!}- on the move. 
Then there have been petty annoyances which are inseparable 
from the gubernatorial office, misrepresentation of his acts 
and perversion of his motives, which are always more or less 
annoying. As chief executive of the State, he felt it his 
duty to see that the laws were enforced against crime. The 
prohibitory law, which had not only been upon the statute 
books from the time when he first came to Maine, but had 
recently been made a part of the organic law of the State, and 
which, by non-enforcement, was becoming a by-word and a 
reproach, he determined to have enforced, and he went about 
it with characteristic energy, and every prospect of success. 
But the manifold duties of the gubernatorial office added only 
so much more to his previous cares, and while he claimed to 
bear up under his accumulated responsibilities, with health 
unimpaired, his friends, or most of them, felt that the strain 
was too much. He had not looked as well as formerly, and 
his face sometimes bore a care-worn appearance which made 
his friends anxious. In September, just before starting for 
Philadelphia to attend the Centennial Celebration of the Con- 
stitution, he had an attack of severe pain in his left shoulder 
and arm, which may probably be regarded as the precursor 
of the more serious attack at Brunswick, two months later. 
While his active mind was wholly engaged in the performance 
of his manifold duties, a fatal disease had been insidiously de- 
veloping and hastened by the exposure and severe cold, as 
well as other complications mentioned by Dr. Thompson, it 
speedily carried him off. The case of Governor Bodwell pre- 
sents an illustration and a warning. It illustrates the too close 
application and intense energy of our leading business men, 
and it is a warning that those God-given powers of mind and 
body with which they are blessed cannot be over-taxed with 
impunity, more especially by those who are fiiv along on the 
down grade of life. 

There is not much space for eulogy here, nor is eulogy 
necessary in this case. The respect in which Governor Bod- 



19 



well was held while living, and the universal regret manifested 
at his death, are more potent and convincing than mere words. 
He performed well his part in life. He entered upon no 
oflScial position withoutfirst acquainting himself with its duties, 
and then he unhesitatingly took upon himself the responsibili- 
ties of administration. He asked advice of those in whom he 
had confidence, but when he came to act, it was in accordance 
with his own convictions of right and duty. He was a born 
leader, and there could be no greater mistake than to suppose 
that he was, or could be, led by others. He was not trained to 
public speaking, nor schooled in debate, but when his duty as 
Governor required him to respond to a sentiment, or to speak 
at the anniversaries of public institutions, or at other public 
gatherings to which he had been invited, he did it with a facility 
that surprised his friends, and even himself. His words were 
always well chosen, fitly spoken, and his remarks, though 
brief, were always to the point. In his intercourse with Gov- 
ernors and officials of other states, as he was called upon to 
have upon several occasions during his brief term of office, 
his bearing was dignified and consistent with the high position 
he held and the sovereign State he represented. And now as 
he passes into the domain of history, with his life work done, 
and nobly done, he will be recorded as one of Maine's fore- 
most and most valued citizens, and as one of her most con- 
scientious chief magistrates. 

HOW THE SAD NEWS WAS KECEIVED. 

The news of Governor Bodwell's sudden demise was soon 
wired over the State and produced a profound sensation. 
From reports sent out the day previous, it was confidently be- 
lieved he would recover. His death occurred too late in the 
morning to appear in the morning papers, and from the tele- 
graphic offices of the cities and large towns, the sad intelli- 
gence passed from one to another, and the deepest grief was 
depicted upon every face. Reporters rushed to Hallo well, and 
during the remainder of the day, every available scrap of in- 



20 

telligence he.-u'ing upon the Ciise was gathered up and sent to 1 
the various daily papers in, and to many out of the State, i 
The family of the illustrious dead was overwhelmed with their 
great alHiction, and the whole city wore a pall of sorrow and 
sadness. ''He was our greatest and best friend," was I'epeated 
on every hand. The gloom settled heavily over the school 
children, and their sad faces, as they walkedsilently along the 
streets and orljmced toward the office of the Hallowell Granite 
Company and toward the desolate house, showed evidence of 
heartfelt sorrow. In Augusta, the Court adjourned, and as 
the news spread, all the courts ol' justice in the State, then in 
session, took the same action. Telegrams of sorrow tor the 
dead and sympathy for the family came pouring in fi'om all 
parts of the country, iVom friends of the deceased, and from 
State governments. 

At the State House, the intelligence caused the keenest 
regrets. Grief choked the utterance of many, and every 
face was expressive of the deepest sorrow. It became the 
duty of the Secretar}' of State to notify Hon. Sebastian S. 
Marble, President of the Senate, who, l)y the provisions of 
the Constitution, became acting or ex-officio Governor from the 
moment of the death of Governor Bodwell. Mr. Marble ar- 
rived in Augusta on the evening train of that day. The mem- 
bers of the. Executive Council were summoned to Augusta, 
and with sad hearts assembled at the Council Chamber on the 
day succeeding Governor Bodwell's death. The relations be- 
tween Governor and Council had been uncommonly confiden- 
tial and pleasant, and when he was stricken down by disease, 
the memi)ers of the Council felt much more than an official in- 
terest in his recovery. From reports received from the sick- 
room, they had every reason to believe that he was conva- 
lescing and would soon be able to rejoin them, and the report 
of the fatal termination of his disease was received by all 
with great surprise and filled them with transports of grief. 
Acting Governor Marble oflScially notified the people of the 
State of the death of Governor Bodwell by issuing the follow- 
inof circular : 



21 



STATK OF MAINE. 

EXECUriVK Dki'ahtment, } 

Augusta, DeceinbtT la, 1SS7. J 

It is witli deep sorrow :iu(l n>o;i-ot tliiit I umiomice to tlie people of tlie 
State the death of Govenior Joseph It. B (hvell. wliicli oceiin-eJ at his 
resideuee in Halloweil, Dec. lotli, at o 30 o'clock A. M. 

In iiis man}' j'ears of active business life, his wide circle of personal 
friends, and his yet wider circle of business acrjnaintances have learned 
tolove and respect him fci- his manly, tjenerons clia-actei'. and in his brief 
official career he has endeai-ed himself to all the citizens of this State. 

The body will lie in state at the capit(d from Sunday notni until the 
funeral, which will take place at the State Mon<e on Tuesday, l>ec. 20th, 
at 11 A. M. I have already designated comnnttees of the Senate and 
House of Representatives to |)articipate in the exercises. 1 now invite 
all who may desire to do so ti> be i)resent at the funeral services. I desire 
that all ])ul)li<! offices he closed on that day between the hours of 11 and 2 
o'clock, and request that all business be suspended during that time so 
far as practicable, as a tribute of respect to our late chief mao^istrate. 

SEBASTIAN S. MARBLE. 

The M.ilne Milititi were also notitied in General Orders as 

follows : 

HEADQUARTERS MAINE MILITIA.^ 
Adjutant Gknehai/s Office. V 

Augusta, December 1(5. 1S87. ) 
General Ohdehs. ) 

No. 19. ) 

'I'he Governof- and CommandiM'-in-Chief announces with i)rofound sor- 
row the death of his disrino;uished predecessor. Joseph R. Bouwell. 
which occurred at his homt! in Halloweil, Thursday morn'rio-, December 
loth, instant, at ') iJO. Govei'uor Bodwell's life has been a bright and 
inspiring record of i)nrity and fidelity in social and business relations, 
and integrity and ability in exacting ami trying official position. He 
was a ma'i whose im])nlses and inclinations were to kindliness, to truth 
and right. He w;is a faithful, generous and steadfast helper of friends, 
and an able and lip! iglit guardian of publ'e good. Govei'uor Bodwell's 
death is |)eculiarl_v saddening, in that it has conn- so suddenly. It has 
come at the end of a life of great accom])lisliments. It is a desolation to 
family and friends that no form of words can desciil)e. It is a loss to the 
State that cannot be estimated But there is relief to tlie deep S(U-row, 
to the heavy sense of loss. We can all b(dieve that when death came to 
so good a man, the portals of the eternal worlil were arched with the radi- 
ant bow of promise. 

II. In honor of tne memory of tluMlistinguished dead, and in special 
recognition of his earnest and helpful devotion to the interests of the mili- 
tia, it is ordered that the colors of the several regiments and the guitlon 
of the artillery be dra[)ed in mourning, and all officers will wear the usual 
badge of mourning u|)on the left arm and upon the sword hilt for the en- 
suing thirty days. 

By Command of SEBASTIAN S. MARBLE, 

Governor and Commander-in-Chief. 

S. J. GALLAGHER. 

Adjutant General. 



22 



PREPARATION FOR THE LAST SAD RITES. 
The State officials had a conference with the family, and it 
was decided to have a private funeral at the late home of the 
deceased in Hallowell, on Sunday, the 18th, after which the 
remains should be conveyed to the State House, there to lie 
in state until Tuesday, the 20th, when the public obsequies 
should be had. Meantime, a responsible duty rested upon 
General Harris, Superintendent of Public Buildings, that of 
putting the State House in order and having it properly 
draped. The draping was very elaborate, and was done 
under the direction of Capt. Geo. E. Brown of Portland. 
Black draperies covered the windows upon the portico, and 
the transom above the door, and as one entered the door, he felt 
that he was passing into the house of mourning. The fountain 
in the centre of the rotunda had been removed, and upon the 
site of it, between the four large central pillars, upon a raised 
platform covered with black draperies, was erected the 
€atafiilque. It was covered with black broadcloth and deco- 
rated with silver fringe and silver stars. From the large 
diandelier above, broad streamers of black crape and white 
thibet festooned to opposite sides of the room formed a canopy 
■over the catafalque. The doors leading from the rotunda 
were draped in crape, with the exception of the main 
entrance, where two large flags were used, caught in at the 
sides with crape loops. The windows were curtained with 
flags. Festoons of black crape and white thibet hung about 
the sides of the room. On the right side of the rotunda, 
heavily draped in mourning was a large crayon portrait of 
-Governor Bodwell. The large pillars of the rotunda were 
encased in crape, and festooned with smilax and silver stars. 
The corridors and stairways were draped in black. The 
Council Chamber was also filled with signs of mourning. 
The Governor's desk was draped in mourning and the edges 
fringed with smilax. Upon the table was the Governor's 
ebony gavel, decorated with white ribbons. In the Govern- 
or's private room, the same evidences of bereavement were 



23 

seen. The table and chair were in mourning, and the room 
looked mournfully silent and sad. Representatives' Hall was 
also appropriately draped. 



THE PRIVATE FUNERAL. 
Governor Bodwell was a Free Mason, having joined Rock- 
land Lodge, February 14, 1859, and the several lodges in 
the vicinity turned out m large numbers to escort the remains 
of their late brother from Hallo well to the State House, when 
the private funeral should be over. At ten o'clock Sunday 
mornino-, the citizens of Hallowell met at the City Hall and 
chose Col. D. P. Livermore as Marshal of the citizens' escort to 
Auffusta. The Masonic Lodges of Hallowell, Gardiner and 
Auo-usta formed in line, after the arrival of the special trains, 
and marched to the Governor's late residence. Samuel B. 
Glazier officiated as Superintendent of the funeral, and the 
religious services were performed by Mr. Bodwell's pastor, 
Rev. J. S. Gledhill of Gardiner, who pronounced the following 
feeling and touching eulogy : 

This whole life is walked under a shadow. Mystery hangs over every- 
thing. "We do not understand anything about us. But the greatest mys- 
tery of it all is the dark fact of death. Into its shadow and darkness I 
come to you, dear friends, to say words of comfort and consolation. What 
I shall sJiy will not take away your darkness, nor perhaps allay your grief. 
But I pray that the few words I speak may be to you as glints of light 
amidst the darkness, which shall help you to place your feet in the next 
step of vour journey. . 

There have always been two ideas about death held by the mmds ot 
men. The earliest 'idea was that death was a covered way which led the 
soul into a silent region of shadows and darkness, where were gathered 
all those who passed out of the earthly life. 

This view was later modified by the ideas of a division of this region of 
shadows into two parts, one of light and one of darkness, where were re- 
ceived into the one all the souls of the good in life, and into the other the 
souls of the evil. A further modification led to the idea of some niyste- 
rious change necessary to be made in the soul during life, or, in its ab- 
sence, at death the soul was plunged into this hopeless darkness and 

despair. . . u 

But later came the more hopeful and rational view of death, which was 
that death is but the door which opens for the soul into another room of 
the Fatlier's house of many mansions. And this is eminently the Chris- 
tian view of death. Christ, the Redeemer, says : "In My Father's house 
are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I go to pre- 
pare a place for you." And this view of death is further expressed by 



24 

the npoptle vvlieii lie exclaiinp, '-For we know that if oiir earilily lioiise of 
this tahi-iiiacle were dissolved we have a building of God. a house not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 

There is stamped indeliljjy upon the heart and soul of everj- man an 
inherent sense tliat human destiny is ensphered in a divine order. This 
last view ot death quiekened this latent sense in men's hearts and taught 
them thaf the profound mystery out of which their life issues does not 
end in an abyss of norhiiiirness. It taught men that death does not end 
all. Beyond death lies a future which to the rightl}^ i)oised soul is not 
only witiiout terror, but is full of beckoning- peace. In that future as well 
as in clie present the all-loving and all-blessing goodness of God encom- 
passes the soul. This view of death also fui'iushes us with the ground 
and justiti(;ation for that deep i)eace which in disappointment and loss 
stays itself on the assurance of ultimate triumph. 

Now, I can only hint at tiie great thing of whicii I desire 5'on to think, 
the great thing whicli 1 would that you keep in your hearts, faith that 
God always has a good and loving reason for what he does. And by 
this faith I do imt mean an unreasoning. acceptance o( a dogma; noth- 
ing of the kind. Any faith that is real and living and true bases itself in 
and must grow out of the experiences of the wfu'id. And the experiences 
of the w(n-ld have given us just such a God as this faith points to in whom 
to trust. 

It is liardly necessary for me to point out to you that he wIkhu you 
idolized as husbaiul antl father and brother, our beloved friend and neigh- 
bor, the estimable citizen and honored chief executive, drew the inspira- 
tion of his life from this same faith in God. Joseph K. Bodwell was an 
eminent Christian. He held an unwavering faith in the universal and un- 
changing love and goodness of God to all men. From this faith he drew 
the sweetness an I light and love which made him an idol in the home 
circle. From this same faith came that unusual degree of charity and 
patience which he felt and exercised for all who came in contact with him, 
or with whom he had in any waj^ to deal, 'i'his same faith gave him that 
which so eminently distinguished him as a citizen and neighbor, an ever 
readiness to help and an open hearted generositj' and sjmipathy with everj' 
form of need. 

As a public official his courageous maintenance of what he d'^eraed to 
be light and for the best interests of the people had its root in his great 
faith in the universal triumj)!) of righteousness and truth, and gave him 
distinguished honor among the great men of our countrj'. 

As a source of comfort and consolation the thought of these things 
will yield you richness in the days of grief and darkness to come. In ad- 
dition to this also, what treasures will not j'our memories liold of the be- 
loved? 'i'hat you wei'e ])ermitted to live in so intimate and tender rela- 
tions with a nature so noble and so benignant must always be a cause for 
gratitude to the giver of all good things. 

As a husband and father he was all that heart could wish, true, tender, 
aftectioiuite and indulgent, shedding joy and gladness upon all the house- 
hold. 

It does not become me upon this pccasion. even if time pernutted. to 
speak at length '^f the emi"ent virtues of j-our beloved dead. I desir«i 
only to call to mind briefly these thing-i and urge j'ou to cherish the 
great faith which was the light and joj- of his life, f(tr vour own comfort 
and consolation. Put your c<uifidence in God who faileth not. and wait 
patiently for the deathless reunion which will surely be yours in the life 
to come, (^od leads us all out into the darkiu^ss, but only that we may 
go up into His clearer light. 

"There is uo tleatli, what seems so is traiisilion. 
This life of mortal breath, 
Is but a suburb of the life elysiaii, 
AVhose portals we call death " 



25 



At the close of the services the procession was t'onncd, ;ind' 

niovecl to the St.-ite House in the following order: 

Hiick?, with relatives of the deceased. 

Heai'se vvitli pall bearers, cifjht men, who were: 

Herman Lodge, Gardiner, No. 82: Daniel C. I'aliner and Angiistus 

Bailey. 

Angnsta Lodge No. 141 : Charles C. Hnnt and S. L. Boainhnan. 

Bethlehem Lodge No. 35: E. C. Allen and Hon. George E. \Ve.'ks. 

Hacks, with friends and r. lativcs. 

Hernion Lodge No. 32, F. & A. M.. of Gardiner, 37 men. 

Angnsra Lodge No. 141, of Augusta. 

Kennebec Lodge No. n, of Hallowell. 

Bethlehem Lodge No. 35, of Augusta. 

Citizens in donble file and in carriages. 

At hiilf past eleven the Capital Gnards, in lull dress, took 
up their quarters at the State House, as a guard of honor. 
On the arrival of the i)roce=.sion, the casket containing the 
remains was borne into the rotunda and placed upon the cata- 
falque, the Masons escorting the body forming in line at the 
foot and side of the casket. Governor Marble, the Execu- 
tive Council and the State officers were upon the opposite 
side, near the head of the casket. Then followed the im- 
pressive Masonic funeral service, at the close of which A. 
M. Spear, of Gardiner, advancing to the head of the casket, 
addressed Governor Marble in the following words : 

Governor MarhJe: — We appear before you to-da\- as 
Masons, escorting to your care all that remains of a loved 
and respected brother, whose form now lies before us clothed 
in the habiliments of death. 

His immediate relatives and friends, in gi'ief and sorrow, 
have laid upon the altar of his memory their last sad tribute 
of love and aflection. And now we stand here chai'ged with 
the solemn duty imposed upon us by the mystic ties of the 
order, and the request of his friends, of consigning his body 
to the State for the reception of those public hon(;rs to which, 
both as an eminent citizen and its chief executive, he is so 
justly entitled. 

As a man, he was of the highest character, spotless in in- 
tegrity, unblemished in honor, boundless in generosity, using 
his wealth with lavi.sh hand for the l)enefit of the community 
and the welfare of the State. 



26 



As a Mason, he exemplified in his daily life and conduct 
those noble virtues which the precepts of the order inculcate. 

As an ofiicial, although called to the highest position in the 
gift of the people without any desire on his own part, for 
jjolitical preferment, he nevertheless assumed the duties of 
Governor with that same untiring energy and zeal which had 
in so marked a degree characterized his business career, de- 
voting his very life to the progress and welfare of the State. 
His loss to the community, the fraternity and the State, is one 
which time cannot repair nor the lapse of years efface. 

But his life work is done. And now in behalf of his 
relatives and friends and this fraternity, I deliver him through 
you to the care and custody of this commonwealth which he 
loved and which loved him so well. 

To which Governor Marble made the following response : 

In behalf of the State of Maine, I receive within its Capi- 
tol, the remains of its beloved and lamented late chief mag- 
istrate. 

Within these walls, one short year ago, Joseph R. Bodwell 
was inaugurated Governor of Maine. To-day the portals of 
the Capitol are swung open to receive his lifeless form that 
here for a brief period it may lie in state before we consign 
it to its last resting place. 

Living and dead, Maine honors this Nature's nobleman, 
whose character was as strong and heart as true as the granite 
hills he contended with and subdued. But in this hour of our 
great sorrow there is one thought of comfort ; he died as the 
strong man always wishes to die, with the harness on, in the 
thickest of the fight, and in the full vigor of life. He is dead ; 
but the example he leaves of what a poor boy, unaided, with 
only a strong arm and a brave heart, may accomplish, will 
live to cheer and encourage the youth of our State long after 
w^e of this generation shall have crossed the "isthmus between 
the two oceans." 

He is at rest. Grandly has he fought the battle of life to 
the end, and we may devoutly believe that the words, "well 
done, good and faithful servant," will be spoken to him in 



27 



Heaven, even as they are spoken of him in thousands of 
homes on earth. 

And may God grant to us who are living strength and 
wisdom to emulate the virtues of him whose body the State 
sorrowfully and tenderly now takes to its keeping. 

LYING IN STATE. 

The remains of Governor Bodwell were embalmed) and 
while lying'in state, were viewed by large numbers of people 
from various parts of the State. The arrangements for the 
public funeral were placed in the hands of a committee, con- 
sisting of Councillor Seth M. Carter, Gen. George L. Beal 
and Col. George C. Wing. Capt. George D. Bisbee was 
selected as Chief Marshal. The following order was issued 
from the office of the Adjutant General : 

HEADQUARTERS MAINE MILITIA, ) 
Adjutant General's Office, > 

Augusta, December 17. 1887. ) 
General Orders, \ 

No. 20. / 

I'^r- Commanders of Companies A, B, C and E, of 1st Regiment, and D, 
E, G, and H, 2nd Regiment, M. V. M., and 1st and 2nd Platoons Battery, 
will report to Col. John J. Lyncli, at Augusta, Tuesday A. M., Dec. 20th, 
with 32 Privates and Coporals, and File Closers, armed and equipped in 
full dress uniform with overcoats and white gloves. 

II. A Special Military Train will leave as follows: Portland at 7.30 
A. M., Lewiston, lower station, at 7.30, connecting at Brunswick with 
the special from Portland. Bangor at 7.30. Company E, 2nd Reg't, 
will take regular train, 8.20 A. M., and return on the regular P. M. train. 
Company H, 2nd Reg't, will leave on regular 9.15 train. All Companies 
but E, 2nd Reg't, will return home by special train Tuesday. 

III. Colonel John J. Lynch, 1st Regiment, with Stall, will command 
the Military Escort. 

The troops will be given dinner at Granite Hall, Augusta, at 11.30. 

The National Home Band will furnish the music. 

Tiie senior officers on these trains will take command of the troops 
while en route to Augusta and return, and be held responsible for the 
behavior of the men. 

IV. Commanding officer of Company F, 1st Regiment, will report at 
State House, Sunday, Dec. ISth, at 12 o'clock, with 25 men with officers 
in full dress uniform, armed and equipped for guard duty. This detail 
will also act as a guard of honor while the remains are being borne to the 
cemetery. 

V. A gun will be fired at every half-hour, beginning at sunrise and 
ending at sunset. 

Nineteen minute-guns will be fired while the remains are being 
borne to the place of interment. 



28 

After tlie roiiuiiiis iire depositeil in rlie grave, a salute of nineteen 
fjiiiie will be tired, in adilitioii to three salvos of artillery. 

HV ORUKU OP' TIIK COMMAN'UKR-IN-CHIKF. 

S. J. GALL.\GHER, 

Adjutant General. 

Chief M;ii'8h:il Bisbue issued the following circular : 

OFFtCK OF ClIIKF MAK8KAI-, ) 
AUGfSTA, Dec. li). 18S7. ) 

Sei'viees in llepresentatives" Hail at 11 o'clock A. M. 

1. Music Prof. Tliienie, Toj^us Miiiraiy Band. 

2. Heading ot Scripture and Praj^er, Kev. A. F. Skeele. Augusta. 
,"{. Selection. Cliickering Quartette, Augusta. 
4. Address, Kev. G; A. Hayden. Aul)urn. 
.T Selection, Chickering Quartette and Mrs. Milliken. 
(>• Benediction. Kev. J. S. Gledliill, Gardiner. 

The procession will form iiniueiliatelv after the services as follows: 
Platoon of Police. 
Chief Marshal and Aids. 
Chief ^Marshal, George D. Bisbee, Buckfield. 
Chief of Staff, II. M. Sp-ague. Auburn. 
Aids, S. \V Lane. Augusta; John \\ . Berry, Gaivliner; Fred VV. 
Plaisted. Augusta; A. B. Npaley, Lewistou. 
National Home Band. Togus. 
Col. J. J. Lynch and Staff. 
Comuninding Provisional Battalion of Infantaiy and 
Fii'st Maine flattery as escort. 
I*all Bearers. 
Hearse. 
Capital Guards as Guard of Honor. 
Carriages containing family ami relatives, Governor Marble and staff. 
Governors of other States and staffs, Executive rouucillors. Jiuliciary. 
Brigadier General Mitchell and Staff, State Officers, Legislative Commit- 
tee. United States Officials and resitlent Clei-gymen. 

Members and ex-meinbers of the Legislature, Kepresentatives of City 
Governments, delegations from various organizations, and citizens, on. 
foot. 
Private carriages. 

. During tbe services at the State House the Governor's salute will be- 
fired from the United States Ai'senal. ^Minute guns will be fired from the 
State grounds by a detail from the United States Arsenal under tiie direc- 
tion of ("apt. Mich;elis, and the bells of Augusta and Ilallowell will be 
tolled during the marcli from the State House to the cemetery. 

On arrival at the cemetery the usual military and civic honors will be 
paid. At the close of tiie services a salvo of artiller}' aiid the Governor's 
salute will be fired from the State grounds. 

Guns will be fired from the United States Arsenal every half-hour from 
suniise to sunset. 

Delegations from out of town are requested to report to the chief of 
staff at the State pension office. 

By order of 

George D. Bisbee, 

Chief Marshal. ■ 
Henry M. Si'Rague, 

Chief of Staff. 



29 



THE STATE FUNERAL. 



The decorators completed their work Mondjiy, and every- 
thing was in order for the solemn occasion. Additional fes- 
toons were hung upon the sides of the Council Chamber, the 
Governor's Room and Re})rcsentatives' Hall, of hroad sti-eam- 
ers of black crape and white thibet. The floral tributes were 
original, varied and beautiful. The designs were exjjressive, 
and the flowers composing them wei'e brought from the best 
New England consei-vatories. The air of the soml)er rotunda 
was heavy with their fragrance. At the foot of the casket vva«! 
a baf^ket filled with beautiful hot-house flowers, the oft'eringof 
the Governor and Council, the Military Stafi* and the Heads 
of Departments. On the north side of the rotunda, beneath 
the cra3on portrait of the late Governoi-, w^as a lai-ge stand 
heavily draped in mourning, upon which other floral tiibutes 
were placed. First was a beautiful bible from the famil}' 
relatives. It rested upon a bank of ferns and ivy leaves, and 
worked in amid the white flowers of the cover, were the 
dates 1818 — 1887, in immortelles. Next was the design 
from the employes of the Hallowell Granite Company, a 
moiniment of white flowers, pinks, roses and other flowers, 
around which was a wreath of flowers, and the whole trimmed 
with a fringe of siiiilax. The Governor's Stafl" also furnished 
a beautiful floral cross, the back and margin of which was 
composed of ivy leaves and white ferns. The front was made 
up of magnificent white flowers — Marechal Niel and Cathei- 
ine Mermet roses, Roman Hyacinths and other handsome 
varieties. Over the arm of this cross was a floral sickle, the 
blade of which was made of carnation pinks of the same tint 
as the Catherine Mermet roses. The handle of this was made 
of green English ivy leaves. It was a beautiful and touching 
tribute. Two other designs were a beautiful floral pillow 
and an inclined wreath. The former was made of flowers, 
iind bore the name of the Governor, composed of purple im- 
mortelles upon a white back ground. The wreath stood upon 
a bank of flowers as a base, and was composed of calla lilies, 



30 



violets and rosebuds. A beautiful column four feet hiffh. 
broken at the top, the shaft composed of white pinks and 
white roses, the base of delicate pink roses combined with 
maiden-hair ferns and English ivy, was the offering of the 
Bodwell Granite Company of Vinalhaven. A tribute from 
the Rockland Knights of Labor, consisted of a shield in the 
emblem of the K. of L., a circle containing a triangle in 
roses, with the inscription, "Our Employer," in immortelles 
above it. 

Tuesday morning quite early, the crowds began to gather 
about the State House and many thousands were there during 
the day. The funeral services were held in Representatives' 
Hall and were solemn and imposing. The Hall was crowded 
to its utmost capacity, and only a small portion of those 
present could gain admission. Delegations came from all the 
large cities, and among those present in the Hall, were distin- 
guished men from all parts of the State. At eleven .o'clock 
the family and relatives came in, and following, the Governor 
and other State officials, the joint legislative special committee, 
the city committees, and delegations from various organiza- 
tions throughout the State. Ex-Governors Perham, Plaisted 
and Robie were among those present. Rev. A. F. Skeele of 
Augusta opened the exercises by reading selections from the 
scriptures and then offered prayer. The Chickering Quar- 
tette of Augusta, assisted by Mrs. Fannie Milliken rendered 
a selection, when the funeral address was spoken by Rev. C. 
A. Hay den, Pastor of the Universalist Church in Auburn. 

REV. MR. HAYDEN'S ADDRESS. 

God has a great Bible and the lives of men are texts in it. "What is 
excellent as God lives is permanent." 

It is my sad duty and privilege as well to try to do what some of you 
could do much better, voice the common sorrow of our State and country 
in the loss of one of our noblest and best citizens. What can I say more 
when all the masters of speech have preceded me? The press have done 
justice to his name, worth and work. They have marshaled their stately 
sentences, and all over this country the words of deserved and sincere 
eulogy have been scattered broadcast. It is not necessary, even if I were 
able, to go over the ground which has been covered so completely and so 
well and which is so familiar to you all. It is better that I should call' 
attention to the qualities of manhood in our friend which made him what- 



31 



he was in all the places in life which he was called upon to take and which 
he filled so nobly. So in passins:. I shall only briefly outline his business 
and professional career, leaving to others to do the work more fully and 
better, as should be done, in some permanent form, as an inspiration to 
our youth in the attainment of success without the sacrifice of moral 
principle; for his is a life worthy the study of every young man. He 
said in an after-dinner talk at Westbi-ook Commencement, last June, to 
the young men : '■'■In your pursuit of honor or wealth or position, never 
accept them if in doing so you have to sacrifice j^our integrity." Re had 
a right to utter such words, because they were eminently true of him. 

Joseph K. Bodwell. born in Methuen, Massachusetts, in 1818, was early 
thrown on his own resources, and learned his trade when apprenticeship 
meant three years of steadj', persistent application. He also labored on 
a farm for wages that would seem pitably small in these days. But those 
years of work and study seem to have been best fitted to prepare him for 
the real work of life and secure the reu.arkable success that came in later 
jj^ears. He was reading, working, studying all the time. His success was 
not that of luck, but by persistent energy and ability, and by honesty and 
labor did he achieve his success. He had the rare faculty of grasping all 
the details of everj'^ undertaking and discerning the outcome. He had 
oversight of all his vast business operations, every detail of which was 
well defined in his thought. One of the papers politically opposed to 
him said, and it is doubtless true, that "he knew exactly what every man 
in his employ ought to be asked to do, and it is but simple justice to the 
dead to say that he asked no more than that of any man." This is high 
praise, but well deserved, as we all believe; for he was in the best sense 
the laboring man's friend. He, the greatest worker among them all, 
knew how to sympathize with and help his employes. I think it is true 
that he did as much to develop the resources of our State as any one man 
has ever done. All the varied interests of the State were encouraged and 
helped by him; not onlj' the granite business, but agriculture, manufac- 
tures, railroads, in fiict, every enterprise that tended to the material 
advancement of the people, received substantial aid from his preeminent 
business ability. 

In his political career he has shown the same sterling qualities that 
have distinguished him in other walks of life. He did not seek oflice. 
On the contrary, he said he had enough to do without that, and I think 
we are beginning to feel that he spoke ti uly, and that it was almost unkind 
to thrust this added labor upon him. He, however, served in the Legis- 
lature and was mayor of his own city, forwarding their interests with 
that fidelity, characteristic of the man in whatever he undertook. He 
never desired the office of Governor. It was urged upon him, and in 
order to gratify his friends and serve the State, he finally consented. 
Notwithstanding his vast business concerns, requiring as it would seem 
all his thought and time, in the executive chair he gave the needed atten- 
tion to the just administration of the government of the State and took an 
interest in all the affairs concerning the welfare of the entire people. 

He was a good governor. Is it too much for me to say that he was one 
of our best governors in this commonwealth ? I do not say he never made 
a mistake or erred in judgment. To argue this would be to claim more 
than anj'^ human being can fulfil. I do claim that he tried conscientiously 
to do his duty and the right. On the temperance question he took a 
decided stand and insisted that the law should be enforced, and if officials 
did not do their dutj'^, on receiving evidence to that effect he would remove 
them. His position on this question has been of great value to the cause. 
It is so regarded by earnest temperance workers, and his death is sincerely 
mourned by all temperance organizations in the State. 

In social life the special charm of his character was revealed. He had 
a kind word for everybody,. The children felt free with him as with a 
friend. His greeting was cordial, sincere and tender. Though filled with 
business cares and interests, he could engage even with children in the 
joy and the simplicity of their life. His little grandson was his pride and 



32 

•ilcliglit. It was 111 J' piivilege ten years ago to know soinetliiiis^ of liis 
lioiiK' litV. and since that time I liave seen him often; and he was always 
tlie l<ind. friendly, lielpful man. In liis JKjme he laid aside pei-plexing 
business oares and entered into the pleasures and enjoyments of his 
gut'Sts with his family. A cordial, tjei.ial. modest man was h^,— a kind 
and indulgiMit fathei-, a considerate and affectionate husband. How many 
young mm he has helped to succeed I What acts of charity c^'ntinnallv 
tlowed from his open hand I The best evidence of his worth is found in 
tile niMversal soriow seen and ex|)ressed by the citizens of his own city. 
'I'he evidence of his liberality and justice to his workmen are found in 
their sad hearts and tearful faces. He was trusted and loved by them all. 

He wrought, we say. in stone, and all over our laud in most of our cities, 

are buildings and'n iinients showing the strength and extent of his 

business life. But his greatest achievement was in the building of his 
cliaiacter. for the man w.-is greater than his work. Behind all his achieve- 
ments, behind all his su<'c<'sses stood the grand noble character which we 
iiiourn and which we admire this day. They s:iid of him : '41e is making 
iliis ffutiine,"" anil that they all could see. "That they pr.-iised. and saidi 
"He is an industrious and exctdlent business man ;ind is' growing rich."" 
I respect all that for what it is worth. But behind his fortune there was 
rising his character, stone upon stoue, brick upon brick, story after storv : 
tor the man behind the work is what (•oimts. Alter sixtv-nine yeiirsof 
effort the work was accomplish' d, and the great Angel Ijieath came and 
removed the scalfoiding and revealed the completed manhood. We say 
prematurely, we i-egi-et that he was taken away — that all these interests 
will s'iffer in our State because he is no more. That, I grant jmiu, is true. 
We shall miss him everywhere. 

But there is another thought that comes in. Governor Bodwell stood 
on the summit, and when he parsed on we can truly trust that God knew 
what was best. It is something to have lived sixty-nine years and com- 
manded the respect and reverence of a whole conntiy. It is a great thing 
to have lived and Inid the aft'ection and sympathy of so dear friend's 
and to hold so honoied a place in human hearts. I am hot sure but 
that it was his best time to go. With tinimpaii-ed faculties, amid pros- 
perity, in the full vigor and maturity of his manhood, he has gone to his 
reward. 

Governor Bodwell wielded a great influence in this community and 
wherever he was known. What is the explanation of this fact? By virtue 
of what quality did his opinion always cmnmand respect? What drew to 
him the many who fi-om all classes and in all straits of lite sought his 
■counsel? Was it that his experience and training fitted him to speak with 
authority on most jiractical questions? Undoubtedly it was this c<nipled 
with a deeper fact, for his was not a limited culture of mere intellectual 
liroticiency. His whole nature was bi-oadly i)ased on a moral or religions 
sense, and this is the prominent fact in the niau"s life. His intellect, his 
affections and desires, while they lacked nothing of povver in themselves, 
were always subject to his feelings of duty. 'J'he ilegree in which con- 
science fountl expression through whatever he said or did gave him a veiy 
rare and remarkable manhood. 

Jo>e|)h R. Bodwell was what he seemed to be. One might safely chal- 
lenge any person to say that a closer acqiniintaiice with him ever resulted 
in disapi)ointment. No one ever penetrated behind an appearance in his 
life to find em|)tiness and unreality. Most people i-eveal weaknesses to 
their friends of which the world does not suspect them; but I am told b}' 
those who have known him intimately from his earliest years that this 
man exposed no more faults to those immediately about him than to the 
eye of society — a generous, christian gentleman. 

The manhood of Governor Bodwell was genuine at every point. So 
thoroughly i-eal and good in its strength, there was needed something 
more than a business or partial acquaintance' with him to appreciate it. 
His earthly house, so fidl of life and purpose a few days ago, now lies 
Jiere in state, idle and silent. But there does stand resting on the rock 



33 



of ages, and reaching far up into the heavens, the great, brave character 
which tiie man has built in the everlasting sunlight of God, itself as ever- 
lasting and always as fair. This, his noblest work, will endure forever. 

His charity was as unostentatious as the dew of summer, blessing the 
giver by the motive and the receiver by the quicker life and truer growth 
in human brotherhood. Even the daily press never accused his charity 
of being done for public notice and praise. A man of good judgment, 
good common sense, careful, exact, methodical, diligent. As regards the 
greater faculties of conscience and affection, the religious element, he pos- 
sessed them all in a marked degree. He was well born, well bred, emi- 
nently well disciplined by himself. He was temperate in all his habits, 
never using liquor in any form or in any way. So by theory and practice 
he set an example of sobriety to us all. Learning to economize early in 
life, he laid the foundation for his fortune in the habits of economy, 
probity and honesty which marked him as the upright man and citizen 
whom thousands rise up to honor tliis day. Here was a man who knew 
the difference between the means of living and the true ends of life. He 
knew the true use of riches. They served as a material basis for great 
manly excellence. His use of money was a power to make those dear to 
him happy — to feed, to clothe, to house and warm and comfort needy 
men ; to open avenues for the development of power and labor everywhere 
so that it might be a means of wealth to others. It was a means to edu- 
cate the mind, to cheer the affections and bless the soul. It can be said 
of him as truly as was said of one of New England's great philanthro- 
pists : "To many a poor boy, to many a sad mother, he gave a merry 
Christmas on the earth ; and now in good time God has taken him to cele- 
brate Christmas and New Year's day in heaven." 

Is it necessary, after all this has been manifested in so many ways by 
people of all shades of opinion, by testimony from all sources, in the 
sorrow in his own city and State, to say that Joseph R. Bodwell was a 
deeply religious man ? All those traits of character constitute a Christian. 
If they do not, so much the worse for Christianity. More and more we are 
testing a man's piety, not by what he says, but by his deeds. ''By their 
fruits ye shall know them." Not profession but character is the test. 
And I know of no man who could better stand that test. And when we 
have said that a man was honest, just and loving, conscientious and 
faithful in all the relations of life, we have said he was truly religious. 

There are some, of whom when they die it is thought forcible praise to 
say that they had no religion to speak of, meaning, J suppose, that their 
religion was too vital, too real and deep to be spoken of. So far as this 
might also mean that religion is a thing not of words but of life, it might 
with perfect truth be said of our friend. But I am not satisfied with that 
kind of expression. I do not fear to say of him : "He had religion to 
speak of, though he rarely spoke of it himself, and never by way of as- 
serting any merit of his own. Yet he was a Arm believer and a constant 
doer in the work of the Gospel, in our church and denomination. He 
was interested in our schools, being on the board of trustees of West- 
brook Seminary, and a liberal giver for all our work. But he did not 
confine his generosity to his own sect. I do not stand here to-day to 
claim him as a partisan in any particular way. He belonged to us all. 
He belonged to the State and all its interests were his interest, and what- 
ever appealed to his nobler nature and to the instincts of his generosity 
was freely and gladly helped, though the appeal came from those with 
whom he differed. 

I do not think he cared much for theology or dogmas of any kind. I 
never discussed with him questions of theology. There did not seem to 
be time. The hours were so few that the minister could spend with him. 
His mind seemed to me alwaj^s to go in the direction of social and humane 
concerns from which it were poor appi-eciation to divert it for the sake of 
mere intellectual comparisons. I always noticed that preaching drew his 



34 



warmest sympathy which presented the kindly, tender, trustful, cheerful 
views of life and conduct. Whatever came to a practical bearing upon 
men and affairs seemed to win at once his sympathy. His face would 
light up and he would give encouragement to his minister by showing 
that he was heartily in earnest and interested in the presentation of any- 
thing concerning the good of humanity. 

But whatever belief he held and whatever he rejected, his religion was 
his life and liis life was his religion, — a living epistle known and I'ead of 
all men. This being true, nothing could add to it or take from it. When 
I say he was a religious man I mean that he loved God and loved man. 
He iiad no more doubt that God would save and bless him and all men 
than that he himself would make all men happ}^ if he could. Reverenc- 
ing God, he revei'enced the laws of God, — morality, justice and love. 
His religion was not stern and forbiddhig. His piety became morality, 
and a good deal more than that. He said the evening before he died that 
he was on the up-grade, meaning on the road to health. May we not in 
this presence to clay, surrounded by these tokens of mourning, give a 
higher significance to the words now? He has alwaj^s been on the up- 
grade from the very first start in life, humble though it was. working his 
way steadilj'' up, never sacrificing principle or integrity for success, but 
always laying the foundation bi'oadly for the growth of his character. It 
has been up-grade and a steep grade for him many times, yet never did 
he falter, but he went steadily on with that summit in sight which he was 
determined to reach at the last. In all the affairs of life, in which we 
knew him, can we not say of him truly: This man was a man on the up- 
grade in the best sense of the word ; the rarest product of our New Eng- 
land life and character, a man to honor, a man to love, a man who could 
draw out the feelings and sympathies of those who knew him, and yet 
make them feel better for having known him? I could ask, I presume, in 
this presence to-day, these men who have met him in the official line of 
life, whether thej' looked upon him simply as the head of the State and 
as a man who outranked them in his position, or rather as a personal 
friend. I could ask them if, when they were in his presence, he did not 
impress them as a man that thej were free to approach, a man who had 
gained the sympathy and love and respect which outpours itself in this 
generous expression throughout our State to-day? 

He had the upward look, and, believing in all that was best, moved on 
toward their consummation. So his life climbed to the heights of 
morality and spiritual attainment, reaching at last, it seems to me, 
the summit on earth ; and if it was up-grade at the last moment, it 
was because the air of earth had become too dense for him, and his strug- 
gling soul looked up to breathe the clearer and purer air of heaven; and 
when that great friend of us all said to him, "Friend, come up higher," 
he was ready and entered into rest. 

Have you ever known what it is to look across the desolate night of 
sorrow and bereavement, seeing nothing? And have you cried out: "I 
shall see him but not now. I shall behold him, but not nigh?" That is 
how the hungry,. longing, bereaved spirit always feels, I may see him, 
but not now. In the far off future when God's Angel comes with his 
dusky wings and gathers away, all too soon, some that we love and takes 
them through the portal of death, it is because our eyes are holden that 
we do not see him to be God's messenger. Death is the bell of evening 
telling the over-tired laborer that it is time to go home. His work on 
earth was done. His life has really just begun, and through the hope 
of the Resurrection, through the portals of that larger and that 
better life he has not stopped as we think, but has gone on and will go 
on to shine among the stars in heaven. He will show that those traits of 
character which made him what he was here, shine more resplendent 
when mortality has put on immortality and when that which was sown 
in weakness was raised into power. Oh, if we could be wise enough then 
to say: '' I shall see him, but not now. I shall behold him, but not 
nigh." Then it would be light at eventide. 



35 



And now, friends, this so inadequate yet sincere testimony is from one 
who knew and loved him. With a little poem of Whittier, whom he loved 
and we all love, I will cloge this address : 

"He has done the work of <a true man, 
Crown him, honor him, love him, 
Weep over him tears of woman. 
Stoop manliest brows above him. 

For the warmest of Iiearts is frozen. 

The fi'eest of hands is still, 
And the gap in our picked and chosen 

The long yeai's may not fill. 

No duty could overtask him, 

No need his wLU outrun. 
Or ever our lips could ask him 

His hands the work had done. 

He forgot his own soul for others. 

Himself to his neighbor lending. 
He found the Lord in his suflering brothers, 

And not in the clouds descending. 

Ah, well, the world is discreet. 

There are plenty to pause and wait, 
But here was a man who set his feet 

Sometimes in advance of fate. 

Never rode to the wrong's redressing 

A worthier paladin ; 
Shall he not hear the blessing, 

"Good and faithful enter in"? 



"DUST TO DUST." 

There was a death-like stillness in the Hall during the 
delivery of the address, and at its close another selection 
was sung by the Quartette. It was a finely executed number 
and thrilled the large audience. The benediction was pro- 
nounced by the Rev. J. S. Gledhill, which closed the funeral 
exercises. The rotunda was cleared, and the family were 
given an opportunity to take a last look and final farewell of 
him who had been so much beloved by them all. 

The procession was formed by Marshal Bisbee and his aids. 
At one o'clock, the military escort, which had formed on 
Water Street, marched to the State House and was drawn up 
in double file, facing it. The order of procession was as 
follows : 



36 



Platoon of Police. 
Chief Marshal and Aids — Hon. Geo. D. Bisbee of Buckfield, Chief Mar- 
shal; Col. H. M. Sprao:ue of Auburn, Chief of Staff; Capt. S. W. 
Lane of Augusta, Maj. John W. Berry of Gardiner, Fred 
W. Plaisted of Augusta. Col. A. B. Nealey of Lewiston. 
National Home Band, Togus. 
Col. John J. Lynch and Staff commanding the provisional Battalion of 
Infantry, and the First Maine Battery as escort. 
Pall Bearers. 
Hon. Hannibal Hamlin. Bangor; Hon. D. F. Davis, Bangor; 
Hon. H. M. Plaisted, Augusta; Hon. Frederick Robie, Gorham ; 
Hon. Albion Little, Portland; Hon. John S. Case. Rock- 
land; Hon. John M. Adams, Deering; Col. Mark 
F. Wentworth, Kittery; Hon. James H. Leigh, Hallowell. 
Hearse. 
Capital Guards as Guard of Honor. 
Carriages containing the family and immediate relatives. 
Gov. Marble and Staff, Ex-Governor Perham, Governors of Other States 
and Staffs, Executive Council Judiciary, Brigadier- 
General Mitchell and staff. State Officers, Legislative 
Committee, United States Officers and Resident Clergymen. 
Representatives of City Government, delegations from various organiza- 
tions and citizens on foot. 
Private Carriages. 

The military organizations and procession battalion forming 
the escort were as follows : 

Field and Staff 1st Regiment, M. V. M. 

Col. John J. Lynch of Portland, Commanding. 

Lieut. Col. E. H. Ballard, Augusta. 

Major B. J. Hill, Auburn. 

Adjutant Edward E. Philbrook, Portland. 

Surgeon, Major George H. Brickett, Augusta. 

From 1st Regiment. 

Company A. (Portland Light Infantry) Capt. Benj. A. Norton. 

Company B. (Portland Mechanic Blues) Capt. Chas. W. Davis. 

Company C. (Auburn Light Infantry) Capt. Fred H. Storah. 

Company E. (Montgomery Guards, Portland) Capt. Timothy E. Hart- 
nett. 

Second Regiment. 

Company D. (Nealey Rifles, Lewiston) Capt. Walter A. Goss. 

Companj'^ E. (Skowhegan Light Infantry) Capt. Horace M. Weston. 

Company G. (Hamlin Rifles, Bangor) Capt. L. S. Chilcott. 

Company H. (Waterville Light Infantry) Capt. William Vaughan. 

First Maine Battery, Brunswick — Capt. O. T. Despeaux, Commanding. 

First Platoon, Lewiston — Lieut. M. J. Moriarty. 
Second Platoon, Brunswick — Lieut. Isaac N. Frink. 

Guard of Honor— 1st Reg't, M. V. M. 
Company F. (Capital Guards, Augusta) Capt. Winfield S. Choate. 



37 



The funenil march, called "Governor Bodwell's Funeral 
March," was composed for the occasion by Prof. B. W. 
Thieme of the National Home Band. 

Governor Ames of Massachusetts was represented by Ad- 
jutant General Daltou, and others of his staff. 

There was a touching scene in the rotunda before the re- 
moval of the casket. The children of the Bath Orphan's 
Home, twelve in number, placed upon it a floral tribute of 
cut flowers which was very beautiful, also a card which read 
as follows : 

"In grateful remembrance of the kindness shown by our 
departed Governor to the children of the Bath Military and 
Naval Orphan Home on their recent visit to the capitol, this 
simple oflering is made." 

The Augusta Capital Guards, Captain W. S. Choate com- 
manding, marched in the procession as a guard of honor. 
The soldierly bearing of the detachment from this company 
while on duty at the State House was highly commended by 
all. The signal gun for the procession to move was fired a 
few minutes before two o'clock. The column was at once set 
in motion, while at intervals, minute guns were fired at the 
grounds of the capitol. Arrived at the Hallowell cemetery, 
the casket was gently taken from the hearse and placed in its 
final resting place. Then above the oppressive stillness, came 
the mighty crash of artillery, as three salvos were fired from 
the guns of the regular battery belonging to the Kennebec 
Arsenal, and the funeral services were over. 

There was grief in every heart and tears in many eyes, as 
the vast concourse of people which had gathered at the ceme- 
tery turned away and started homeward, and a feeling was 
manifest that they had indeed taken a final leave of all that 
was mortal of their late Governor and friend. 

The following resolves were passed by the Executive 

Council : 

' In Council, ) 

December 20, 1887. J 
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from our 
midst the Chief Magistrate of our State, Joseph R. Bodwell, there- 
fore, 



38 



Besolved, That in his sudden and untimely death the State of 
Maine has not only lost a most able, conscientious and upright 
Executive, but that we, as members of his Council, feel deeply the 
loss of a personal friend, and who in all his walk and conversation 
impressed us with the great worth of his character and it is with 
unqualified pleasure that we bear testimony that in his short official 
life with us his only aim and purpose was to do right. 

Resolved^ That the members of the Executive Council wear a 
badge of mourning upon the left breast for thirty days, and that all 
State officials be requested to do the same. 

Resolved^ That these Resolutions be spread upon the Records of 
the Council and a copy be engrossed and forwarded to the family. 

Read and unanimously adopted. 

Oramandal Smith, 

Secretary of State. 

In Council, | 
December 20, 1887. j 

Whereas, The Governor and Council desire to express their 
appreciation of assistance rendered them in the discharge of the 
sorrowful duty of arranging for the funeral -of our late Governor, 
Joseph R. Bodwell, therefore, 

Resolved, That a vote of thanks be and is hereby extended to 
Councillor Seth M. Carter, Judge George C. Wing and General 
George L. Beal, the committee of arrangements ; to the Hon. George 
D. Bisbee, chief marshal ; to his aids. Col. Henry M. Sprague, chief 
of staff, Capt. S. W. Lane, Major John W. Berry. Fred W. Plaisted 
and Col. A. B. Nealey ; to Mayor George E. Macomber, chairman, 
and the other gentlemen comprising the general reception committee ;* 
to A. M. Spear, Esq., and Hon. William D. Pennell, chief ushers, 
for the prompt and efficient service they have rendered ; to Rev. 
Charles A. Hayden and other officiating clergymen ; to the Chicker- 
ing quartette, with Mrs. Milliken, for the able and appropriate con- 
duct of the ceremonies; to Gen. Luther Stephenson, Jr., of the 
National Soldiers' Home, and to Capt. Michaelis of the United States 
Arsenal for their kind tender of the band and battery ; to Capt. W. 
S. Choate and the Capital Guards, and other officers and men of the 
mihtary for the part they have taken ; to Mr. Payson Tucker, gen- 
eral manager of the Maine Central Railroad, for the ample accom- 
modations and transportation provided, and to the many citizens 
who so kindly furnished us with every facility, and rendered us every 
service in their power. 

The Legislative Committee was constituted as follows : S. H. Allen, 
A. W. Kich, George P. Wescott and Samuel Libby of the Senate; and 
Chas. E. Littlefield, J. H Mauley, F. A. Powers, Fred N. Dow, J. C. Tal- 
bot, Lewis A. Barker, E. L. Pattangall and E. K. O'Brien of the House. 

* Besides Mayor Macomber, the reception committee was composed as follows: Geo. E. 
Weeks, E. C. Allen, Chas. E. Nash, H. M. Heath, L. 0. Cornish, Thomas Lombard, C. W. 
Whitten, M. V. B. Chase, S. Titcomb, Elias Milliken, P. O. Vickery and Ira H. Randall. 



Bodwells of Methuen. 



The Bodwells have ever been prominent in the town of 
Methuen. At the incorporation of the town in 1725, Daniel 
Bodwell was one of the selectmen. At the beginning of the 
Revolutionary war, two persons bearing the name of Bod- 
well were on the committee of correspondence and safety. 
Henry Bodwell, the first of the name in this country, was a 
soldier in Philip's Indian war and was wounded ; he took the 
freeman's oath in Newbury in 1678, then aged 24 years. 
Where he was born, his civil condition, the date of his emi- 
gration and the place where he landed on American soil, are 
alike unknown at this date. May 4, 1681, he married Bethiah, 
daughter of John, Jr., and Mary (Webster) Emery of New- 
bury. He lived a short time in Newbury, his oldest child, 
Bethiah, being born there in 1682, and then moved to Andover, 
where he was living in 1685. In 1693, John Emery of New- 
bury gave to his daughter Bethiah, and her husband Henry 
Bodwell, one hundred acres of land situated in Haverhill. In 
17] 2, he was living in Haverhill. He was a renowned hunter 
and marksman, and a terror to the hostile Indians. He is 
said, on one occasion, to have shot an Indian on the opposite 
side of the Merrimack, who, thinking himself at a safe dis- 
tance ofl", was making insulting gestures. Bodwell's Ferry 
and also Bodwell's Falls, commemorate the name of Henry 
Bodwell. The children of Henry and Bethiah Bodwell were 
as follows : 

I. Bethiah, b. June 2. 1682. 

II. 3Iary, b. April 1.1684. 

III. Henry and Josiah, (twins) b. January 27, 1685 — both d. same year. 

IV. Abigail^ b. January 15, 1686. 
V. Henry, b. Xovember 6, 1688. 

VI. James, b. January 16, 1691. 

VII. Daniel, b. February U, 1693. 

VIII. Sarah, b. December 1, 169-1. 

IX. Hannah, b. September 1, 1696. 

X. Judith, b. April 4, 1698. 

XI. Buth, b. December 2, 1699. 



40 



Henry Bodwell, Jr.. married in 1726, Ann, and had the following children : 

I. Ann, b. February 25, 1727. 

II. Hennj, b. July 2<j, 1729; m. Mary Robinson.* 

III. Phebe, b. February 15, 1731. 

IV. Bethiah, b. May 25. 1734. 
V. Joshua, b. October 4. 1736. 

VI. Ifary, b. July 21. 1740. 

VII. William, b. March, 1743 ; d. young. 

VIII. William, b. May IS, 1747. 

Henry, above-named, who married Mary, daughter of Joseph Robinson 
of Haverhill, afterwards of Roxford, had the following children : 

I. Henry, b. January 8. 1762. 

II. Isaac, b. October 16. 1765. 

in. OZiwe, b. October 15, 1767. 

IV. Persis, b. July 30, 1769. 

V. Joseph, b. November 2, 1771 ; ra. Mary How. 

VI. Nathan, b. October 12, 1773. 

VII. Arnold, b. March 22. 1776. 

VIII. Elizabeth, b. June 24, 1778. 

Joseph Bodwell, the fifch child of Henry and Mary (Robinson) Bod- 
well, lived in that part of Methuen which has since been set off and in- 
corporated as Lawrence. He occupied the homestead of his father, and 
engaged in farming, teaming and in other pursuits. His children were : 

I. Mary. b. September 15, 1796; m. Patrick Flemming. 

II. Nathan, b. September 23, 1798. 

III. Joseph Bobinson, b. October 18, 1800; d. young. 

IV. Hazen, b. May 26, 1803. 
V. Hannah, b. June 9, 1807. 

VI. Christopher, b. October 14, 1809. 

VII. Persis. b. November 23, 1811. 

Vin. Elizabeth, b. February 22. 1814. 

IX. Nancy, b. March 16, 1816. 

X. Joseph Bobinson, (Governor Bodwell) b. June 18. 1818. 

XI. Heiiry A., b. August 27. 1821. 

Joseph R. Bodwell, the tenth child of Joseph and Mary (How) 
Bodwell, married first. October 3, 1848, Eunice, daughter of Josiah and 
Hannah (Austin) Fox of Dracut, Mass. She was born October 22, 1822, 
and died in Methuen. December 14, 1857. He married, second. July 25, 
1859. Hannah C. Fox. sister of his first wife, who was born in Dracut, 
August 3, 1825. Children : 

I. Persis Mary, b. August 26, 1849; m. January 2. 1871, Rev. Jotham 
M. Paine, who died September 19. 1880, and had Charlie Bodwell (Paine), 
b. May 28, 1873. 

II. Joseph Fox, b. July 11, 1862. 

*Born Augusts, 1737, daughter of Joseph aud Mehitable (Eaines) Robiuson, granddaugh- 
ter of Joseph aud Sarah (Steveus) Robiusou, aud great grauddaugliter of Joseph Robinson, 
born 1644-5, married May 30, 1671, Elizabeth Ingalls Dane of Andover, Mass. Governor Bod- 
well was named for his Robinson ancestors. 



Tribute of the Press. 



Hallowell llEGiSTEii. The grief over Governor Bodwell's death is 
deep and sincere. There are not many homes in Hallowell wliere his gen- 
erosity has not shown liberal work ; and the whole commnnity, not one 
family, is in mourning for their honored dead. The loss financially can- 
not be estimated. Governor Bodwell was Hallowell's best friend as well as 
her most distinguished citizen. His business sagacity formed the strong 
founrlation for the immense granite works of the city; he was interested' 
in all public enterprises. As a philanthropist, his heart was big enough 
to take in all men of all ranks. 

Mr. Bodwell is best known as a business man. He was reluctant to ac- 
cept honors at the hands of his fellow citizens, who would have delighted 
to have continued him in the most responsible places in their gift. Still 
he was twice made mayor of the city, declining re-election for the third 
term ; twice made representative to the State Legislature ; twice did Maine 
Republicans send him to their national corivention; and he was finallj'^ 
chosen by the people to the highest office in their gift. All unite in warmest 
praise of his administration. Earnest men and women, the whole State over, 
believed in him and endorsed his efforts to gain the enforcement of all the 
laws. His death is well-nigh a calamitous blow to the governmental as 
well as business interests of the State. 

Kennebec Journal. This unexpected and melancholy event produces 
a deep sensation throughout the State and in other sections of the country 
where he was well known. A man of very superior capacity, of great 
energy and executive ability, the architect of his own fortune, his large 
business enterprises have employed capital and labor on a broad scale. 
Starting from humble circumstances, he had by his force of character 
become recognized as one of the leading personalities of the State, one 
of the foremost men of New England. Of large hearted generosity, 
faithful in the performance of private and public duties, a devoted hus- 
band and father, a noble citizen, his death is an irreparable loss to his 
family, to his large number of friends and to Maine, M'hose honored Chief 
Magistrate he has proved himself during a year of successful administra- 
tion. 



42 



Gosi'KL Baxxeu. As h citizen Governor Bodwell was as exemplary 
and influential as in liis diversified business transactions. As Mayor, 
legislator, political adviser, and Governor, lie was straigtitforward and 
upright, performing every duty faithfully and unselfis/dy. These virtues 
characterized his w^hole life, indeed. At home, in society, in business 
circles, in official station, he was ever the same honest, unassuming, con- 
scientious, capable man. 

Accepting the doctrines of Universalism as the truth divinely commu- 
nicated to man, his life was an illustration of the faith he held, that God 
is the universal Father and all men are brethren. His naturally sympathetic 
nature, his cheerful, genial, patient disposition, were strengthened by his 
cheering and satisfying religious views. In all the years of his business 
career he had the good-will of his many workmen because he sought ever 
to do by them as he would have an employer do by him. The Golden 
Kule was the chief principle in his system of political economy. That 
never fails to beget confidence, respect and loyalty toward a capitalist 
who practices it in his dealings with a few or many workmen. 

Maine Farmer. His character and purpose partook of the solidity of 
the blocks of granite from his quarries in the hillsides, becoming beauti- 
ful and symmetrical as these same blocks of granite after passing under 
the hammer and the chiselling strokes of the artist. He was especially 
the friend of the laboring man, because he had been with him in all his 
experience, shared with him his humble fare, and patiently and manfully 
toiled to attain the position in life which patient toil and true worth will 
bring. He knew how to sympathize with the laboring man, because his 
great mind grasped readily the problems of business. He initiated new 
enterprises, involving a large expenditure of labor and capital. He would 
weigh well the chances of success, organize the enterprise and set the 
wheels in motion; and death found his hands and brain full of schemes 
for expanding the business and developing the resources of the State of 
his adoption, — the State which he had honored in citizenship, and which 
in turn had conferred upon him its highest honors. He was an approach- 
able man, hampered by no superficial ideas of false dignity; warm and 
cordial in his greetings to his friends. He was always frank, free, cour- 
teous, generous, manly. In his brief official career as Governor, he 
brought to the office the same characteristics that were so conspicuous in 
l)rivate. He did not weigh for a moment what eftect his acts would have 
upon himself or his party; his only inquiry was whether it was legally 
and morally right, and whether it would be of benefit to the people at 
large. And when fully convinced that the measux-e was right, he would 
be as firm and unyielding as his own granite hills. He was an intense 
American, the ripe, rich product of our hardy New England civilization 
and institutions. His life and toilsome progress up the hill of success 
will be a constant inspiration to the yonng man, struggling on the farm, 
in the shop, in the mill, at the work bench, in the quarries. In the death 
of Governor Bodwell, the State is bereft of the services of a faithful Chief 



43 



Magistrate, the cause of temperance of one of its most consistent up- 
holders, the town of his residence one of its most enterprising citizens, 
his workmen of a just and considerate emploj^er, and his family of a kind 
husband and father. 

New Age. What was there in this man's life to call forth so much of 
general public sympathy and sorrow, and what the lesson and moral of 
it all? It was the great and good qualities of his head and heart as a 
business man, that made him so esteemed in life and so regretted in death. 

He was Governor, but that added nothing to tlie public regret— except 
the regret that he should have been persuaded to accept the position. 
"In the light of events," as Mr. Hayden said, "it must seem something 
more than unkind to force upon him that responsibility. He had business 
enough."' He was a rich man, so esteemed, but he was no more honored 
for his wealth than envied for it. Men have died in our midst leaving 
millions and had no mourners — not one, because their money-making was 
without one generous purpose, without a thought of the public good, of 
the general welfare ; promoting no industries, engaging in no business 
but that of the miser — only hoarding, and they had their reward. 

It was the use Mr. Bodwell made of his wealth as a business man, in 
promoting the industries of the State, that causes him to be lamented and 
honored. If he desired to make money, it was because he loved to do 
business — the more money and credit at his command, the more business, 
the development of more industries, and the helping of more men to help 
themselves. Animated by these generous purposes, his benevolence did 
not contract, only expanded, with his means, having no more of the miser 
in his composition than Santa Glaus. It was this large-hearted and whole- 
souled man, and public spirited citizen, Joseph R. Bodwell, whose death 
is so generally and deeply felt, and whose memory is so honored. The 
lessons of his life are many and the moral of it plain. 

Eastern Farmer. In the death of Governor Bodwell, Maine sustains 
the greatest loss it ever experienced in the decease of one man. As an 
executive officer, Governor Bodwell has proved what his most Intimate 
friends expected he would, viz., one of the most successful and popular 
ot Maine's popular Governors. He entered upon the unsought office with 
that honesty of purpose that has characterized his entire life, to admin- 
ister the laws of the State with equity and justice. The will of the peo- 
ple, so far as he understood it, has been his will. 

As a business man Mr. Bodwell had few equals. Although his enter- 
prises were enormous in magnitude and varied in their nature, his master 
mind could comprehend and direct them all. His judgment was prover- 
bial, much sought and prized, whether it was in the construction of a State 
House, or the building of a railroad; wiiether it was lumbering, or the 
management of an enormous manufacturing establishment, of eitlier wood 
or metals; whether it was fiirming or stock Imsbandry : with his wonder- 
ful business capacity he could grasp them all, and lias proved their sue- 



44 



cess beyond a donbt. It is in these great enterprises that Mr. Bodwell's 
removal will be most keenlj^ felt by thousands of workmen who were di- 
rectly employed, and thousands more indirectly in the business enterprises, 
the head and front of which was this ono man. 

Waterville Sentinel. It is estimated that at least ten thousand peo- 
ple passed through the rotunda of the State House during the day of the 
funeral. It was not an altogether formal tribute of mere respect to high 
station — a perfunctory duty to the memory of a Governor of the State. 
Indeed, such motive could not have called together such numbers from all 
ranks of life and all parties from every considerable town in the State. It 
was a deeper feeling. There was the sense of personal as well as public 
loss, and a sense of individual bereavement was felt by hundreds whose 
recollections of Joseph R. Bodwell will for many years verify the familiar 
couplet : 

The sweet reincinbrancc of the iust 
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust. 

Kennebec Democrat. In the death of Joseph R. Bodwell, Maine 
loses one of its best citizens, a man of great business capacity, who was 
largely interested in promoting enterprises that tended to the welfare 
and prosperity of the State. Tlie press and people universally join in 
expressing their sympathj^ for the family of the deceased and pay a just 
tribute to the man, who by perseverance and honest toil, has risen from a 
poor boy to a condition of wealth and prominence. 

Portland Press. By the death of Governor Bodwell the State loses 
not only its executive head, but also a public spirited citizen who has 
created great enterprises which have been of great value to our people, 
and have contributed much to the prosperity of the State. Long before 
he became Governor Mr. Bodwell was known and respected throughout 
the State for his business capacity and success ; for his interest in all good 
causes and his liberality in promoting them ; for his simplicity and upright- 
ness of character. He had seen little of public life when the people of 
Maine elected him to the governorsiiip against his wish, almost against 
his protest. As the chief magistrate of the State his course has been dis- 
tinguished bj' the same traits that characterized his career in private life. 
He has performed the duties that devolved upon him with care and con- 
scientiousness, and with an eye single to the welfare of the State. Mistakes 
he may have made, but his general course has been one to commend him 
to the people of the State without distinction of party, as a thoroughly 
upright, faithful and conscientious public officer. Governor Bodwell was 
the architect of his own fortune, and his career is a conspicuous illustra- 
tion of the possibilities before the young man in a land where the avenues 
to success in life are open to every one on equal terms. What he was he 
made himself. He began the battle of life with no reliance but a clear 
head, a sound body and a correct moral sense, but industry and persever- 
ance coupled with good judgment brought him wealth and honor. His 



45 

life was a noble one, noble in its aspirations and in its achievements, and 
the story of it should be an inspiration to every young man. His path- 
way at the outset was tilled with discouragements, and there was little 
promise of tlie signal success he was destined to achieve. But he battled 
on until he had conquered them all and placed his name high up in the 
list of the honored men of his State. Against his name is now set the 
asterisk of death, but his memory will be cherished so long as men con- 
tinue to admire a life of high aspiration, of noble achievement, of con- 
scientious performance of duty. 

Evening Express. Governor Bodwell was emphatically one of the 
people. He was self-made, and achieved a high measure of success. The 
example of his life is one full of encouragement to the youtii of our State, 
the hardy sons of toil, who have few advantages. He began his career 
with little save willing hands, a stout heart, and an integrity proof against 
all the blandishments of vice. Although unskilled in state-craft, he has 
tilled the gubernatorial chair with dignity and strength and to the satis- 
faction of all good people. 

In the death of Governor Bodwell, the State is bereft of the services of 
a faithful Chief Magistrate, the cause of temperance of one of its most 
consistent upholders, the town of his residence one of its most enterpris- 
ing citizens, his workmen of a just and considerate employer, and his fam- 
ily of a kind husband and father. 

Governor Bodwell was broad in his sympathies, generous and just in 
his nature, and the soul of integrity. He was a Republican in politics as 
the result of convictions strengthened by years of studj"^ and observation ; 
but he was not a narrow man in any particular. 

Eastern Argus. Joseph R. Bodwell was a man of great force of char- 
acter and unquestioned integrity. From humble beginnings he, by industry 
frugality and sagacity, built up a great business in his adopted State, and 
came to be its executive. Kindly of heart and open of hand, he endeared him- 
self to all those who had dealings withhim. Themosttouchingtribute of his 
worth is the grief of the men who knew him best — the men in his employ, 
who so often profited by his kindness, and whose fortunes he was always 
ready and often eager to advance. 

Portland Advertiser. Governor Bodwell was emphatically a self- 
made man. The story of his career illustrates anew the opportunities 
open to a poor boy in this country, and shows what may be accomplished 
on a capital of nothing but industry, perseverance and sound sense. Con- 
scientiousness and good intentions have directed Governor Bodwell's ex- 
ecutive acts, and his has been an administration of high respectability. 
He dies universally honored and regretted. 

Lewiston Journal. The most profound sorrow will be caused 
throughout our State and wherever our good Governor was known 
among men, by the news of the death of Joseph R. Bodwell, the Chief 



46 

Magistrate of Maine. Gevernor Bodvvell was esteemed for both his noble 
private life and his conscientious performance of his public duties. He 
was a sterling man and a sterling Governor. He was loved best at 
Halljwell, where he was loved as a neighbor and friend— the best friend 
that Hallowell ever had. 

The story of Governor Bod well's life is already well known to the people 
of Maine. It is the story of a boy who struggled against obstacles 
which would have dismayed a heart less stout than his, but who conquered 
and became one of the richest and most honored citizens of his adopted 
State. The secret of his success may be seen in his determined persever- 
ance and in his unerring fidelity to his associates as well as to himself. 
If ever there was a true man, Governor Bodwell was one. If ever there 
was a man whom temptation could not lure from tiie line of rectitude and 
honor. Governor Bodvvell was one. Eecognizing his solid abilities, it is 
his firm and spotless character that we most admire. 

When he was elected Governoi of Maine, he had very little acquain- 
tance with tlie affairs of the State, and it was a trying position for him; 
but he devoted his rugged and unbending energies to its demands, and 
proved in every way equal to them. It was very evident to all observers 
that Governor Bodwell was Governor of Maine, himself! His individ- 
uality was prominent in all his official acts. He performed every duty as 
his conscience directed. He was a strong Governor. His vigorous efforts 
to liave all the laws of the State enforced made the conspicuous feature 
of his administration. His death will be especially deplored by the 
friends of law, order and temperance, in whose support his back-bone 
had proven a column of iron. 

Bangor Whig and Courier. The sudden announcement of the death 
of Governor Bodwell just at a time when the people of Maine, after days 
of anxious watching, were beginning to feel a sense of security and to 
hope that our honored Chief Magistrate was on the road to a speedy re- 
covery, will prove a severe shock to tlie entire State, which is thus de- 
prived of a most worthy Executive as well as a highly esteemed and 
valued citizen. In the death of Governor Bodwell the State of Maine 
meets with a loss that cannot be overestimated, not so much on account 
of his official connection with the government, for, notwithstanding the 
unquestioned merit of his administration, strong and earnest as it was, 
his place as Cliiet Executive can be filled, but the place of Joseph K. 
Bodwell the public-spirited, broad-minded, energetic and whole-souled 
citizen cannot be supplied. Always ready to respond to the appeal for 
aid, and witli the recollection of his own early struggles fresh in his mem- 
ory, his sympathy and generous assistance were freely given to those who, 
like himself, had to make their own way in the world. He was a philan- 
thropist in the full sense of the word and gave freely of his large means 
to aid all worthy objects. As Governor, the same devotion to principle that 
ever manifested itself in his private business relations marked his public 
career. He devoted his best energies to the promotion of the welfare of 



47 



the State, nhvays actiiio; up to his true convictious in all his official acts. 
An honest, true man, his life in public as well as private affivlrs has been 
one of spotless integrity. A fearless champion of what he believed to be 
right, and an uncompromising foe to all wrong doing, he leaves a name 
that will long be honored in the State of his adoption. 

Bangor Commercial. It is not too much to say that the announce- 
ment of the death of Governor Joseph R. Bod well, which occurred at his 
residence in Hallowell at an early hour this morning, will cause a more 
painful shock to the people of the State than the decease of perhaps any 
other eminent citizen would have done. This is not perhaps so much due 
to the exalted office which Mr. Bodwell held as to the feeling that he rep- 
resented in himself the growing prosperity of the State, whose resources 
his tireless energy had done so much to develop. 

Governor Bodwell always believed in the future of Maine, and his confi- 
dence was of that practical character which leads the possessor to invest 
money and time to aid in its realization. There was no branch of indus- 
trial development in Maine in which Governor Bodwell's business genius 
and tireless energy did not make itself felt. In agriculture, in manufact- 
uring, in railroad development, in extensive business enterprises of all 
kinds, he has been constantly and extensivelj'' engaged and in all he has 
been successful. One great secret of his business success seems to have 
been his faculty of selecting the right men to co-operate with him and 
then in infusing into them a portion of his own enthusiasm in his work. 
He was a man of very decided convictions and could not be swerved from 
what he believed to be right by any considerations of mere expediency. 

Personally Governor Bodwell was a most agreeable gentleman. He 
had a very kind heart and his charities have been numerous if not osten- 
tatious in their character. His death will be deeply felt all over tlie State, 
and it is to be feared that to some of the extensive enterprises in which he 
was engaged his loss will be almost irreparable. 

BiDDEFORD Journal. To-day Maine mourns the loss of her Chief 
Magistrate and one of her foremost citizens. The click of the telegraph 
that announced the death of Joseph R. Bodwell at an early hour this 
morning, sent a shock over the State that was responded to with bowed 
heads and one universal utterance of sorrow and lamentation. 

By this sudden dispensation of Providence, Maine loses a model 
citizen and a model Governor. At the time of his death his business 
relations were simply stupendous, reaching from Maine to Georgia, and 
embracing a wide variety of interests. But amid it all no cloud ever rose 
to obscure his rising sun. As the head of a household ; as a neighbor, 
pure and above repi'oach in private life ; as a man of honor and strict 
integrity in small and large business affairs alike, and as a shining example, 
from the small beginnings of early boyhood to the zenith of his wonder- 
fully successful life, but few men in Maine or out of it to-day measure up 
to his full stature of excellence. 



48 

Less tlian a j-car ii<;o he was iiiaiigiirated Governor. Tlie people of 
Maine know his record. He has stamped his grand individuality upon his 
brief administration in characters of living light, which will give him an 
enduring place among Maine's ablest and best chief magistrates, and 
prove eminently worthy of emulation by those who may come after him. 

Calais Advertiser. Governor Bodwell was emphatically a self- 
made man. The story of his career illustrates anew the opportunities 
open to a poor boy in this country, and shows what maj-^ be accomplished 
on a capital of nothing but industry, perseverance, and sound sense. 

Camden Herald. An honest, courageous, noble man has fallen; and 
the expression of regret of men of all political parties is almost universal. 
His death, occurring so soon after his inauguration and just as the people 
of the State are learning his worth and ability as a ruler, is peculiarly sad. 

Republican Journal. The story of Governor Bodvvell's life is told 
in other columns. It is a record of which Americans may well feel proud, 
and conveys lessons that the young men of this country may study with 
profit. The farmer's bo3r, who, with no other capital than his strong mus- 
cles, stout heart, sterling integrity and sound common sense, attains 
wealth and high position, is a purely American product, and it is mainly 
to men of this stamp that the prestige and prosperity of our country are 
due. Maine owes to her late Governor a debt not readily computable. 
He was the pioneer and prime motor in the development of her granite 
industry. By the importation of blooded stock, and in other ways, he 
did much to promote our agricultural interests. He was concerned in 
Maine's winter harvest, the ice crop, and in building up our summer re- 
sorts. In short, he was a man of many and varied business interests — a 
man of rare executive ability and untiring industrj^ He was a friend of 
the educational interests, and so staunch a temperance man that in his last 
illness he positively refused to take stimulants. 

Governor Bodwell was not a politician. In the few instances in which 
he held office the office sought the man, and was oftener refused than ac- 
cepted. It was with great reluctance that he became a candidate for Gov- 
ernor last year, and it was only from a sense of duty to his party, for he 
was a staunch Republican, that he finally yielded to the solicitations of 
his friends. He brought to the office the same business methods followed 
in his private affairs, and sought to perform the duties in the interest of 
the whole people. No thought as to political consequences influenced his 
acts. An honest purpose characterized his administration. He was the 
friend of the working man, having never lost sight of his own early strug- 
gles, and the attainment of wealth and political honors made no change 
in his simple habits and unaffected manner of life. The many tributes to 
the memory of the deceased are well deserved, and he is sincerely mourned 
by all our people. 



49 



Belfast City Press. Mr. Bodwell was, in many respects, a remarka- 
ble man and one of a type rarely found in any other country than ours, 
By his own native ability and unflagging energy he rose from poverty to 
wealth, from obscurity to become the governor of a State celebrated for 
producing able men. He brought to all his undertakings an earnestness 
of purpose which insured their success from the outset; he pushed tliem 
forward with a vigor which kept them constantly at the front. In all the 
varied relations of life he was an exemplary citizen. His reputation was 
unsullied, his disposition kindly, and his courage unflinching. His life 
has its lesson ; so, too, has his death. That restless activity which impelled 
him forward from one enterprise to another, allowing him only the rest 
obtained from change of occupation, though one of tlie factors which 
rendered such a career possible, exacted its payment in so exhausting 
vitality as to occasion the sad event whereat an entire State mourns. Yet 
how better can a man die than in the flower of a well-spent life and at 
the topmost pinnacle of his success? In such a manner has our Chief 
Magistrate departed. May he rest in peace. 

Somerset Reporter. Sorrow for Governor Bodwell is genuine and 
pervades all classes. Probably no man in Maine was ever mourned 
more sincerely and generally. He was one of God's noblest works, 
"an honest man." His was a wonderful combination of soul, brain, 
energy, and courage such as appears only at the rarest intervals. One 
need only look into his honest eyes to know that the soul that looked 
out through them was a pure one, and that the brain behind them was a 
large, broad one. He drew his friends around him as with hooks of steel. 
Good men believed in him and stood by him when once they came to know 
him. His was a noble nature, and that nobility was manifested in unos- 
tentatious deeds of benevolence and charity. He was pre-eminently the 
laborer's friend, always popular with the hundreds of men constantly in 
his employ. He was a business man in its broadest sense, with a capacity 
to grasp the situation, comprehend great business problems and solve 
them. The loss to the State of so wise and faithful a chief magistrate is 
indeed great, but the loss to the business interests of the State is greater 
and second only to the loss sustained by his family friends. A great, a 
noble, a grand man is dead and the citizens of the State, without regard 
to party or creed, in every city, village and town mourn his decease. 

Aroostook Times. Governor Bodwell was honest and straightfor- 
ward in all his dealings, and it is said of him that he could never under- 
stand or acquire the political diplomacy which shakes hands with and 
stabs a man at the same time. Having made up his mind that a measure 
was right and just, he gave it his support, and the political intrigue which 
surrounded him was uncongenial. His life furnishes an object lesson to 
the young of great value, showing, as it does, that there is no royal road 



50 



to fame and fortune in this land. It should serve to* warn men like the 
late Governor that political preferment is an empty show and a sore vex- 
ation. 

Piscataquis Observer. He was a powerful example of a self-made 
man. Born in obscurity, with an indomitable will and a determination to 
make something of himself, this giant fought his way, step by step, 
against odds that would terrify an ordinary heart. Liberal-minded, 
whole souled, with a capacity for business tliat was unlimited; fine social 
gifts, a big heart that went out toward his fellow men- and melted at sight 
of suffering ; always giving something for the needy ; with love for truth, 
purity — yea, a Christianity that knew no creed, he was every inch a man ; 
and his early death will be a great blow to State and Nation, and regretted 
by men of all parties or classes. He loved his State above the selfish 
clamor of party strife, and performed the duties of Chief Magistrate with 
a wisdom and impartiality born of his sagacity and noble character. But 
"the paths of glory lead but to the grave," and the good citizen, the 
tender-hearted, charitable man, the loving husband and father, is no more. 
Death claims its own, and the great man sleeps. 

"Leaves have their time to fall, 

And flowers to vcither at the North-wind's breath. 
The stars to set; — but all. 
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death !" 

Boston Traveller. He brought to the oflice of the Governorship a 
rare business experience and marked executive ability, and has honored 
his State as well as himself by his wise and vigorous administration of 
public affairs. Maine loses in his death an able executive, and one of the 
foremost and most public spirited of her citizens. 

Boston Herald. Governor Bodwell was not an orator or a politician. 
He was a plain, persistent busines man. He worked harder than any man 
in his employ, and he had many. His habits were simple, and he was 
not puff"ed up by money. When he ran for Governor, there were no 
scandals to be raked up for use against him. He was an excellent ex- 
ample of the best product of our institutions — honest, serviceable men. 

Boston Globe. The death of Governor Bodwell of Maine is a sur- 
prise to the people of this State and elsewhere, though it was not wholly 
unexpected by those who were informed as to his condition. Governor 
Bodwell was a self-made man, and he endeavored to discharge faithfully 
the duties which the citizens of Maine committed to him. 

Boston Journal. Mr. Bodwell was generous in his impulses, affiible 
in his manner, and in his private character without reproach. He was 
strictly temperate in practice as well as in theory, and the vigorous efforts 
which he made as Governor to secure the thorough enforcement of the 
liquor laws of the State Were prompted by conviction, not by political 



51 



exigency. He brouglit to the office of Governor tlie same qualities which 
had made his business career honorable and successful, and his adminis- 
tration reflects credit upon the State and honor upon his memory. 

Pkogressivk Age. He was a sample of the men who attain to con- 
spicuous positions under our free government by unaided effort. In youth 
and early manhood, his lot was similar to tens of thousands who are de- 
prived of adventitious aids to raise them to success. The way to riches 
and eminence which he travelled is open to every young man who has the 
native ability and capacitj'' to success. Those are essential, and without 
them success is hardly attainable, struggle as W'e may. Those qualities 
joined to energetic, well directed labor were what secured to him an hon- 
orable position among the distinguished of the land. Of his social quali- 
ties as a man and a citizen, it is superfluous to speak. 

Eastern State. Governor Bodwell held a high and honorable position 
in the estimation of the people of this country. He was not a politician, 
in any sense of the word, but simply a plain business man, who had arisen 
to prominence by his industry, perseverance and strict attention to busi- 
ness. From small beginnings he had become one of the foi'emost business 
men of New England, engaged in vast enterprises in which he was a 
leader, not by any self assumed importance, but because men trusted him 
and his sagacious judgment. Though such was his standing in the busi- 
ness world, the quality of the man was best shown at his home in Hallo- 
well, where he was looked up to as a friend of every one, and trusted by 
all as but few even are ever trusted. 

Ellsworth American. Hon. Joseph R. Bodwell of Hallowell, was 
a man well known to the people of this State as one who by indomitable 
perseverance, foresight and ability, created and maintained a varied busi- 
ness which not only brought wealth to himself, but gave remunerative 
wages to hundi-eds of his emploj^es. In this way he became a real bene- 
factor, for he helped men to help themselves, which is the best charity the 
world has ever known. He was a genuine alchemist, transmuting all he 
touched in a business wa}^, even our granite hills, into gold. 

Free Press. By this dispensation the State loses a Chief Magistrate 
whose brief term in office had added to the great measure of respect and 
esteem which he had long enjoyed as a private citizen. His quick percep- 
tion, clear judgment, strict sense of honor, firmness, and the courageous 
performance of everj^ obligation, which had marked his career from youth 
to manhood and crowned his years with wealth and honor, pi'omised to 
render Mr. Bodwell's administration as Governor one of the ablest and 
most successful in the State's history. It has been cut short by death; 
but not until it had forcibly illustrated how sterling, innate manhood may 
rise superior to adventitious circumstances of the most discouraging 
character. 



Resolutions of Respect. 



From a large number of resolutions passed by State organ- 
izations, city governments, and other civic bodies, the follow- 
ing are selected for publication : 

MAINE STATE GRANGE. 

Whereas, the Maine State Grange in common with all other associa- 
tions, organizations and individuals in the State realize the irreparable 
loss we have all sustained by the removal from our midst of our hon- 
ored and respected Chief Magistrate, Hon. Joseph R. Bodwell; and 
whereas, he was known to be in deep sympathy with the principles of our 
Order, and deeply interested in all our agricultural interests, it seems emi- 
nently fitting that we, membei's of the Maine State Grange, in annual 
meeting assembled, should place upon our records the sense of our great 
loss — therefore, 

Besolved, That while bowing in obedience to the Supreme Will, we 
desire to afl"ectionately express our appreciation of his worth, both as a 
man and as a ruler; of his eminent faithfulness to all trusts committed to 
his keeping, and of the great ability and honor with which he has dis- 
charged the arduous and responsible duties of his high office. 

Besolved, That in the disinterested and generous spirit which marked 
his intercourse with all men; in the deep interest he has always taken in 
the working classes; in his great efforts towards the upbuilding of the 
State, and the good of all its citizens, he has written his name in kindness, 
love and mercy upon the hearts of thousands with whom he came in con- 
tact, and by whom his generous deeds and kindly acts will never be for- 
gotten. 

Resolved, That we extend our warmest sympathy to the family and 
immediate friends of our departed Chief Magistrate while yet the earth 
is fresh upon his coffin, and assure them that every heart throughout our 
whole State feels a large share in their personal sorrow. 

Resolved, That these resolutions be inscribed upon our records and that 
a copy be sent to his family. 

MAINE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 

Whereas, The Board of Agriculture and citizens of Strong and vicinity, 
assembled in a Farmer's Institute, have received witli feelings of pi'ofound 
sadness the telegram announcing the painful intelligence of the death of 
our chief executive. Governor Bodwell, therefoi'e, 

Resolved, That in his untimely and sudden death we realize that the 
State loses an able and conscientious Executive, an active business man, a 
faithful promoter of its agricultural interests, and a loyal friend of the 
laborer wherever found. 



53 



Besolved. That in this sad bereavement, we tender our deepest sympatliy 
to the family and relatives of the deceased in their deep affliction, and to 
the many warm friends his wide business and social relations have won. 

HALLOWELL CITY GOVERNMENT. 

The City Council in joint convention passed the following resolutions: 

Whereas. The Great Power Who rules us all has called from labor one 
of our most honored citizens. It is with profound sorrow and sadness we 
learn of the death of him whom the citizens of this State had learned to 
love as its Chief Magistrate; one whose large heart could take in matters 
of national importance, and still have room to consider the wants of the 
humblest poor; one whose name has stood for all that was honorable and 
manly among his fellows; a citizen of purest life and perfect integrity, 
whose name is destined to fill a conspicuous place in the history of our 
city, and of our State. Therefore, 

Resolved, That our heartfelt sympathy be tendered to the bereaved 
family of our honored friend. They have lost one whose domestic virtues 
were no less distinguished than those of a public nature. May we hope 
that when the pain of their loss may be soothed by time, they may find 
comfort and consolation in the recollection that his memory is held in 
grateful affection by the hearts of his neighbors, his fellow citizens, and 
all who were brought into business connection with him. 

Besolved, That in the death of Joseph R. Bodwell, this city has lost one 
of its greatest and truest friends, one who has been largely instrumental 
in adding to its prosperity, and who has always been ready to aid with his 
advice and counsel, his example and influence, all enterprises which would 
benefit the cit_y both morally and financially. 

Besolved, That we unite with citizens from all parts of the State in 
regarding his loss as a public calamity. 

HALLOWELL CITIZENS. 

At a mass meeting of the citizens, held Saturday evening, with Mayor 
Fuller as chairman, the following resolutions were unanimouslj' adopted, 
which were drawn up by a committee, composed of Messrs. Beane, Rowell, 
Currier, Clary and Warner* 

In citizens' meeting, assembled : 

Whereas, By Divine Providence, one of our citizens has been called 
from our midst to live with those who have gone before in a brighter and 
happier home; and, whereas it is fitting and proper that the sympathy of 
neighbors and friends should be extended to the family and mourning 
relatives ; Therefore, 

Besolved, That in the death of our fellow citizen, Hon. Joseph R. Bod- 
well, we realize as only neighbors can, our great loss. Generous hearted 
and ever given to charity, many hearts now do and ever will revere his 
memory. Open and frank in his social relations, his death fills the hearts 
of all citizens with sadness. Manly and honest in his business affairs, 
his loss causes grief to liis business associates. His pleasant smile and 
cordial greeting, in addition to his noble qualities, endeared him to all, 
and will ever keep his memory fresh in the minds of all who knew him. 

Besolved, That to his mourning family we extend our heartfelt and 
sincere sjnnpathy. Witii them we also mourn. 

The seei'etary of this meeting, Mr. D. K. Jewell, was instructed to pre- 
sent a copy of the above resolutions to the afflicted family. 

Mr. Beane offered the following resolutions : 

In citizens' meeting: 

Besolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that all business within 
the citj' should be suspended and all places of business remain closed 
Tuesday, December 20, the burial day of our honored citizen, Joseph R. 
Bodwell. 

Unanimously adopted. 



54 



PORTLAND CITY GOVERNMENT. 

Having assembled in joint convention, the Mayor presiding, Alderman 
Marks offered the following resolutions : 

The Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council of the city of Portland, 
assembled in City Council upon the announcement of the death of the 
Governor of the State, appreciating the profound respect entertained 
for him personally by the citizens of Portland and sharing deeply in the 
general sense of public loss at the sudden close of his useful and 
honored life. Therefore, 

Besolved, That the news of the death of the Chief Magistrate of our 
State, Honorable Joseph R. Bodwell, at his home in Hallowell this morn- 
ing, is received by the city of Portland with the deepest regret; that his 
private life and personal character, his long and eminently successful and 
lionorable business career and great influence in developins: the resources 
and industries of Maine, his courage, energy and good judgment in pro- 
tecting and managing large business enterprises, his broad and generous 
sjjirit and readj- encouragement and aid to all that tended to serve the 
public interests, justly entitle him to respect and remembrance as a dis- 
tinguished citizen who has deserved well of the State. 

That he brought to the discharge of the duties of his high office all the 
resources of his practical experience and ability, a keen sense of the 
obligations and duties which the chief magistracy devolved upon him, 
a spirit of vigilant fidelity to every trust and an incorruptible honesty of 
purpose;— and that he leaves to his family and the State both in his pri- 
vate and his official life the legac}^ of an unsullied name. 

That these resolutions be extended upon the records of the city and a 
copy of them be transmitted to Governor Bodwell's family as an expres- 
sion of sincere and respectful sympathy. 

BANGOR CITY GOVERNMENT. 

At a largely attended meeting of the City Council Friday evening, called 
by Mayor Bragg to take appropriate action on the death of Governor 
Bodwell, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : 

Besolved, That the City Council of Bangor, in common with all citizens 
of Maine, has received with sincere sorrow, intelligence of the death of 
the Chief Magistrate of the State, and they desire on their own behalf and 
on that of the citizens of Bangor to express profound regard for the mem- 
ory of the late Governor Joseph R. Bodwell, their appreciation of his high 
personal character, his exceptional capacity for office and his hearty and 
constant promotion of the moral and material welfare of his State. In his 
removal the State has lost a faithful and fearless officer, the industrial in- 
terests of the people an enterprising and inspiring leader, and the cause 
of moral reform an earnest an unswerving defender. His life illustrates 
the success under our free institutions possible to diligence and virtue, ana 
presents to the rising generation an example full of encouragement and 
worthy of emulation. Such a life of prosperity honorably gained recalls 
the ancient proverb, •'•Man's character is his destiny." 

Besolvfd, That the City Council tenders its hearty sympathy to the 
family of Governor Bodwell iii this severe bereavement, which no human 
words can alleviate, but which will be illuminated by the ever jjresent 
memory of the affectionate, generous life, whoSe termination they mourn. 

GARDINER CITY GOVERNMENT. 

It is fitting that the citizens of Gardiner should tender some tribute of 
their respect to the memory of their late Governor, whose remains are 
now lying in state at the Capitol. 



55 



I would therefore request that all places of business and all manufac- 
tories be closed between the hours of 11 A. M. and 2 P. M. of Tuesday, 
the 20th instant, at which time the last ceremonies in his honor will be 
performed. 

A committee on behalf of the City Council and one representative of 
the citizens at large, will attend the funei'al services at Augusta. 

John J. Bekrt, Mayor. 

A committee consisting of Hon. Joshua Gray, Hon. Wm. F. Richards, 
O. B. Clasoii, Esq., Henry Farringtbn, Esq., Capt. E. W. Atwood, G. W. 
Hezelton, Esq., were chosen to represent the citizens at large to attend 
the funeral services of Gov. Bodwell, and to act in connection with the 
committee from the City Council. 

ROCKLAND KNIGHTS OF LABOR. 

The following resolutions were passed by the Rockbound Assembly, 
Knights of Labor, at Vinalhaven, and are most significant and interesting 
as the members of that organization, almost without exception, are em- 
ployes of the Bodwell Granite Company. 

Eesolved, That we profoundly mourn the sudden and untimely death of 
Hon. Joseph R. Bodwell, late Governor of the State of Maine, who for a 
third of a century has been so prominently identified with the business 
and progressive enterprise of the State of Maine and especially this town. 

Besolved, That in his death we deplore the loss of an honest employer, 
whose simplicity of character endeared him to the poorest, one who was 
ever ready to listen to and redress the grievances of his employes, as was 
evidenced by agreements entered into between himself and this assembly. 

Besolved, That his official acts, the signing of all the bills passed in the 
interests of the laboring people of the State while in the Governor's chair, 
have enshrined his memory in the heart of every true reformer in the 
State. 

liesolved, That as a fitting testimony to the memory of our late em- 
ployer, and to show in our humble way some appreciation of the services 
he has rendered to the cause of labor, we sentl one of our number to rep- 
resent this assembly at the funeral and that a floral tribute be offered as 
a fitting tribute of our sorrow. 

JOHN B. HUBBARD POST, G. A. R. 

At the meeting of John B. Hubbard Post, No. 20, G. A. R.. of Hallo- 
well, held on Monday evening last, a committee was appointed to draft 
resolutions in honor of the memory of our departed Governor and fellow 
citizen. The following resolutions were submitted and unanimously 
adopted : 

Whereas, By the dispensation of Divine Providence our honored Chief 
Magistrate and beloved citizen, Plon. Joseph R. Bodwell, has been taken 
from earth to his reward above, at a time when his services and infiuence 
seemed almost indispensable in carrying forward the public and business 
interests of this community and of the State, therefore, 

Besolvrd, That we, as comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
sincerely mourn the loss of one who was ever ready to extend to us a 
helping hand in carrying forward our benevolent enterprises, and in 
maintaining the principles so dear to every American citizen. 

Besolved, That we sympathize deeply with his family in their sad bereave- 
ment, and assure them tha-t the memorj^ of the loved and honored husband, 
father and friend will ever be reverently cherished by an afflicted and sor- 
rowing commonwealth. 

Besoived^ That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the family 
of the deceased, and that they also be spread upon our lecords and pub- 
lished in the Hallowell Register and Kennebec Journal. 



56 



AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL. 

Whereas, Divine authority, in His mysterious wisdom, lias deemed it 
well to call from his earthly labors our lamented Governor, Hon. Joseph 
R. Bodwell, it is considered proper that some expression of our sense of 
the great loss we have suffered thereby, should be made by this body. 
Therefore, 

Besolve.d^ That it is with the greatest sorrow that we have received the 
news of the death of the beloved Governor of our State; that in his life 
we recognize those sterling qualities of manhood which have made him a 
kind and loving husband and father; an honest and conscientious citizen; 
a pure, wise and incorruptible official, and a benefactor of his race. We 
deeply mourn his loss and extend our sympatliy to his family in their great 
bereavement, and our commiseration to the people of the great State lie 
loved so well and whose interests he did so much to promote and develop. 



SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF MAINE IN LOWELL, MASS. 

Whereas, The Great Governor of the universe has seen best to permit 
the departure from this world of the Hon. Joseph R. Bodwell, Governor 
of our native State of Maine, in the midst of his otficial responsibilities 
and in the ripened vigor of his mature manhood, whereby a great State is 
deprived of a noble citizen and a wise ruler, therefore. 

Resolved, That we, the Sons and Daughters of Maine Association, in 
this city, place upon record our sympathy with our brothers and sisters 
in the loss they have sustained, and unite with them in our testimonial of 
the worth of so upright and honorable a man and ruler. 

As one, in a special manner suited to represent the self reliant, honest, 
industrious, independent, ambitious and working character of the people 
of our native State. 

As one, in himself, a noble example of what a young man can do, be, 
and become by correct habits, uprightness of character and patient toil, 
though commencing the journey of life in its humblest paths. 

As one, who in himself, as a man was an example to laboring men by 
his own habits of toil, and also to business men by his honesty, fjiirness, 
promptness, faithfulness and public spiritedness, that work and upright- 
ness are the true secrets of success. 

As one, who as a citizen, by liis unaffected sympathy, his free and wise 
benevolence to the poor and all good objects, illustrated the nobility of 
unselfishness. 

As one, who as a man cast the weight of his character, wealth and influ- 
ence in favor of whatever promoted the temperance, purity, good morals, 
education and building up of society. 

As one, who as a ruler, though firm and independent in his convictions, 
was impartial and upright in his administrations, commanding the confi- 
dence and respect not only of his own party but of all the people. 

In fine, as one, who in the varied relations of life, as a man, a citizen 
and a ruler, was an encouragement to the poor, an example to the rich, 
a friend to the needy, an aid to reform and an honor to the State; and 
whose death is a loss to humanity. 

Besolved, That our sympathies are extended to our native State in the 
departure of so valuable a citizen ; and to the family in the death of so 
true and affectionate a member. 

Besolved, That these resolutions be spread upon our record book, a copy 
forwarded to the family of the departed Governor, the Senate and House 
of Representatives of Maine. 



57 



MILFORD LAND AND LUMBER COMPANY. 

Besolved, That we, the stockholders of the Milford Land and Lumber Com- 
pany, in annual meeting assembled, desire to give expression to our deep 
sorrow at the death of its leading spirit and constant friend as well as its 
honored President, Joseph E. Bodwell. 

jResolved, That in all the relations he sustained with us, both personally 
and oflflcially, he was always actuated by principles of the highest integ- 
rity and unswerving fidelity to all interests committed to his charge. 

Besolved, That we will ever cherish his memory for his sterling qualities 
as a man ; for his broad views and large abilities as a manager of affairs ; 
for the great and active interest he always manifested for the prosperity 
of the community ; and for his incorruptible character as Chief Magistrate 
of the State which loved and honored him for all these qualities combined. 

BODWELL WATER POWER COMPANY. 

Besolved, That the Directors of the Bodwell Water Power Company 
with unaffected sorrow profoundly mourn the death of its President, 
Joseph R. Bodwell. 

Besolved, That in his death we sincerely deplore the great loss of the 
projector and efficient suppoi'ter of this company ; that we desire on our 
own behalf, and that of all its members, to express our high regard and 
appreciation for his pure personal character, his extraordinary capacity 
for affairs, and his hearty and untiring efforts for the welfare of this 
association. 

Besolved, That we sincerely concur in the truthful expressions of sor- 
row and mourning throughout the State, by its citizens, over its loss of an 
honest, I'esolute, and conscientious chief magistrate. 

Besolved, That in his most useful and honorable career as the leader 
in the industrial interests of the State, and for the promotion of which 
his memory will ever be affectionately and gratefully perpetuated, he 
cannot be replaced. 

Besolved, That to none of his works can we point more confidently than 
to this company, for evidence that he who has now gone from among us, 
full of years and honor, was a good and great man; genial in his nature, 
wise in judgment, truthful to the last degree, filled with noble impulses 
and doing with might whatsoever his hand found to do. 

Besolved, That these resolutions be extended upon our records, and a 
copy furnished to his family, to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy 
and condolence; and also that a copy be furnished to the press for 
publication. 

BATH LODGE OF GOOD TEMPLARS. 

Whekeas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father in His mysterious provi- 
dence to remove by death our beloved and highly esteemed Governor, Hon. 
Joseph R. Bodwell, and it becomes us in some suitable manner to recog- 
nize the event, therefore, 

Besolved, That in the death of Governor Bodwell the temperance cause 
in this State has lost one of its firmest and most devoted advocates ; one who 
was willing to make the largest sacrifices for the good of his fellow-men. 

Besolved, That in his death we are called upon to put forth greater 
efforts in the cause, and by constant vigilance, unwearied perseverance, 
and examples of purity, emulate his virtues, and that we hear in this 
providence of God, a summons to a purer devotion to temperance than we 
have heretofore cherislied. 

Besolved, That we hereby tender our heartfelt sympathy to the family 
of our lamented Governor, and that this brief memorial be entered upon 
our records, and a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be 
sent to the family of the deceased. 
6 



58 



CITY OF LEWISTON. 

Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father to remove from our 
midst our Chief Magistrate, Joseph R. Bodwell ; 

Whereas, The citizens of Lewiston on hearing tlie sad announcement 
of his death unanimously expressed themselves, that the State had suffered 
a great loss, and the friends of temperance its noblest advocate; 

Resolved, Tiiat the flags of the city be placed at lialf mast until after the 
obsequies of our deceased Governor. 

Besolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the City 
Council, and that they be published in the press of the city and a copy of 
them be forwarded to the family of our lamented Chief Executive. 

Eesolved, That out of respect to his memorj'' we do now adjourn without 
the transaction of any further business. 

THE NEW YORK AND BOSTON RAPID TRANSIT COMPANY. 

Whereas, We are summoned to surrender our companionship with 
Governor Joseph R. Bodwell, late President of this Company, whose effi- 
ciency in the work of developing the great enterprise to which it is 
devoted cannot be expressed in anj^ formal statement, and whose business 
example furnished a constant inspiration to us his associates and friends, 
therefore, 

Besolved, That we unite in lamenting the decease of one who never 
failed to command our high respect and appealed to our deep affection 
by the inestimable qualities of his large and sympathetic heart. 

That we testify together to our appreciation of the pure purpose and 
stainless integrity that stamped him as a man almost singular in the mul- 
titude with which he mingled, and. 

That we sincerely join with the family and immediate friends of the de- 
ceased in deploring his unexpected departure, and tender them our deep 
sympathies in their heavy affliction, which must nevertheless be lightened 
with so many consolations. 

Besolved, That this expression of our common sorrow be entered on the 
records of this Company and a copy of the same be forwarded to his be- 
reaved family. 

CITY OF BATH. 

Whereas, We, the City Council of Bath, in convention assembled, 
learn with profound sadness of the death of Hon. Joseph R. Bodwell, 
Governor of the State of Maine, which occurred at liis home in Hallowell 
on the loth instant, and join with our sister municipalities in deploring 
the great loss sustained by our State, therefore, 

Besolved, That in the death of Governor Bodwell, the State has lost 
an able, honest, earnest, upright, conscientious, faithful, unselfish and 
unassuming Executive; one who will be remembered as the honest poli- 
tician, the sincere patriot, the faithful friend, the enemy of no one living. 

Besolved, That the various industiies of our State have lost one of their 
firmest and truest friends, for in Joseph R. Bodwell was combined expe- 
rience, sagacity, public spirit, enterprise and strict integrity, so that lie 
could command large resources to aid in any enterprise he might 
engage in. 

He leaves to his family and the State of his adoption a life worthy of 
emulation by the young men of the country. 

Besolved, That a copy of the resolutions be published in the daily 
papers and a copy be forwarded to the family of the deceased Governor, 
and that the flags of our cit}^ be kept at half mast until after the day of 
the funeral. 

Besolved, That a committee of the City Government be appointed to 
attend the funeral of the deceased Governor. 

Besolved, That the places of business in the city be requested to close 
during the hours of the funeral. 



Messages of Condolence. 



Many letters and telegrams of sympathy and condolence 
were received b}^ the family, on the occasion of the death of 
Governor Bodwell, from various parts of the country, only 
a few of which can be inserted here. They were largely 
from business men in the principal cities, in New Orleans, 
New York, Philadelphia and Boston, with whom Mr. Bodwell 
had had large business transactions, and some were from 
State officials and business associates in Maine. The whole, of 
which the following are only samples, make up a tribute of 
respect which the death of few men in Maine or the country 
would have brought out. 

Rockland, \ 
December 16th, 1887. j 
Mrs. J. R. Bodwell. 

Bespected Madam : 

I offer yon most sincerely my heartfelt sympathy in this hour of your 
great trial and sorrow. I am fully aware that no words of mine can be 
of anj' consolation to you in this day of your great affliction. 

Tiirongh the instrumentality of an all-wise Providence you are called 
to mourn the death of ar dear and loving husband, and tlie State an lionest, 
upright, intelligent, manly man. By tlie death of Governor Bodwell the 
State and the country has lost one of its foremost men. and we wlio knew 
him intimately in all the relations of life, a true and noble friend. 

In this season of your bereavement it must be, and probably is, a con- 
solation to you and your children that the people in every home of our 
State join in tlieir condolence to you and yours in this great affliction. 
May God in His infinite merc5% give you strength and fortitude to bear 
the trouble that has so suddeidy and unexpectedly visited your happy 
home. Again extending my sympathy to you and to your bereaved 
family, 

I am, with great respect, 

JOHN S. CASE. 



60 



Bates College, 1 

Lewiston, Maine, December 17, 1887. J 
Dear Madam : 

Allow me to tender you my sympathies in this hour of your great afflic- 
tion. "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth." 

No one can mourn as you ; and j'^et I am safe in saying that the hearts 
of all the friends of temperance and good order in our beloved State are 
grief stricken by the death of Governor Bodwell, and they would gladly 
say this to you were it in their power. 

Very truly, 

Mrs. Governor Bodwell. O. B. CHENEY. 

Keene, N. H., \ 2 
December 19th, 1887. / ^, 

Dear Mrs. Bodwell: 

Permit me to express, in these few lines, my deepest sympathy and 
feeling for you in the trying ordeal through which you are called to pass. 
I grieve that I am unable to stand among the large circle of friends who 
mourn the death of Governor Bodwell, and look upon the face of him 
who had so large a place in my heart. But circumstances beyond my 
control deprive me of that privilege. When I learned of your husband's 
illness, I daily visited his office in N. Y. ; and being assured by hopeful 
reports, I took courage in the belief that, with his strong constitution, he 
would surely recover his health. So when the sad news of his death 
came, it gave me a shock from which I have not recovered. 

Governor Bodwell was the most unselfish of men, and he was the em- 
bodiment of honesty. His kindness of heart was proverbial. In him I 
always found a warm and true friend ever ready to lend a helping hand, 
and I feel that I have met with a loss that cannot be made up. But my 
grief is nothing compared to the irreparable loss to his family, the com- 
munity and the State. With greatest sympathy and regard, 

I am sincerely yours, 

S. W. HALE. 

New York, December 17, 1887. 

My Dear Mrs. Bodwell : 

I know that the words of a stranger cannot be of much value in the 
great affliction through which you are now passing. But on my own 
account I wish to place in your hands a slight record of the warm esteem 
I had for j^our late husband, and of my genuine sorrow for his loss. 

He was a stranger to me until about one year ago, when I first met him 
in this city. Since that time our acquaintance has not baen intimate. But 
I have seen enough of Joseph R. Bodwell to enable me to say that I have 
never met a more noble, generous or true hearted man. He seemed to me 
entirely incapable of any narrow or selfish act, and I know that his mind 
was incapable of entertaining a thought inconsistent with the very high- 
est integrity. A late officer in the army, who had heavy contracts with 
him during the war, told me that he was the most honorable man he had 
ever encountered. 

The country has few such men. Their death is a public as well as a pri- 
vate loss. I have no friend whose loss I could feel more deeply. 

You, the companion of his life, who knew every secret of his heart, in 
the depths of your sorrow have at least the consolation of knowing that 
he lived a useful life, that he had gained the respect and affection of all 
who knew him and that he probably has not left behind him one single 
enemy. 

Cordially yours, 

L. E. CHITTENDEN. 

Mrs. BodWell, Hallowell, Me. 



61 



House of Representatives, 1 
Washington, D. C, December 16, 1887. j 

Mrs. J. R. Bouwell, Hallowell, Me. 

Dear Madam : 
Permit me to express to you my profound sympathy with you in the 
great grief which has overtaken you in the death of your Imsband. 

The death of Mr. Bodwell, so great a loss to yourself, will be severely 
felt by his thousands of friends, who will mourn his departure from this 
life as a misfortune to themselves, our State and the country. 
With sincere respect, very truly yours, 

SETH L. MILLIKEN. 

House of Representatives, 1 
Washington, D. C, December 17, 1887. j 

Mrs. Joseph R. Bodwell. 
Dear 3Iadam : 

I beg to offer you the heartfelt condolence of Mrs. Boutelle and myself, 
and to assure you of our sincere sympathy in the great affliction that has 
befallen you. 

The death of your honored husband came to us as a severe shock, as 
we were led to hope by the reports that he was in a fair way to recov- 
ery. 

I am painfully aware that no words can give any balm for such a 
sorrow as yours, but if anything could mitigate the pangs of such a swift 
bereavement, it would be the knowledge of the respect and esteem in 
which the departed was held by all who knew him, as Governor, citizen 
and friend. The State shares in your grief, and the loss of a strong and 
good man will be felt far beyond its limits. 

Very respectfully yours, 

C. A. BOUTELLE. 

186 West Chippewa St., ) 
Buffalo, Dec. 18, 1887. ) 
Mrs. Bodwell: 

Mrs. Dee and myself learned with feelings of profound sorrow and 
regret of the death of Gov. Bodwell. Since I made his acquaintance, in 
the year '76, 1 have always admired him for his many noble and manly 
qualities. 

My personal relations with him were always pleasant and agreeable. 

In your hour of affliction I send you this my humble tribute, with a 
prayer that the Great Comforter will aid you in bearing your great 
sorrow. 

Mrs. Dee joins with me in sincere sympathy with yourself and family, 
for the loss of a kind-hearted husband and father. 
Very respectfully yours, 

JOHN F. DEE. 

My Dear Mrs. Bodwell: 

It was witli pain and grief that I learned of the deatli of your husband 
and my friend. 

It was so entirely unexpected by me that the shock was great; what 
must it be to you ! 

Although my acquaintance with your husband was of comparatively 
recent date, yet such was his genial nature, that he immediately endeared 
himself to all that knew him, and I look back upon the friendship of our 
good Governor as one ot the pleasantest of my life. 



62 



Though knowing well that no words can bring comfort to your stricken 
heart, yet I must express my deep sympathy for you and your family in 
this great affliction; ah, if words and sympathetic hearts could console 
you, then you might indeed be comforted, for from thousands of hearts 
and homes the truest and purest of sympathy is poured forth for you and 
the deepest regrets for the untimely death of so good and noble a man. 
He has left behind him an unsullied record, which is a precious legacy. 

He has left a vacancy which can not easily be filled — it is a loss to our 
State — what must it be in his home ! 

I pray God may temper your affliction and give you strength to endure 
this great trial. 

Assuring you of our deepest sympathy, I am 
Most sincerely yours, 

WILLIAM ENGEL. 

Bangor, December 17, 1887. 



Augusta, Maine, ) 

December 15, 1887. > 
Mrs. Joseph R. Bodwell. 

3Ty dear Madam : 
I have learned with great sorrow of the unexpected death of our Chief 
Magistrate, your most estimable husband, his Excellency Governor Bod- 
well. 

As one who has long entertained towards him sentiments of highest 
esteem and respect, I venture to take the liberty of expressing to you 
and all the members of his bereaved family my most earnest sympathy. 

I am, with great respect. 

Very sincerely yours, 

CHARLES W. DOHERTY. 

218 Orange St., ^ 

New Haven, Conn., > 
Dec. 28, 1887. > 
My Dear Mrs. Bodvv^ell : 

It is only our nearest and dearest to whom the privilege is given of 
bringing us what comfort they may in the first daj^s of a great sorrow; 
and so I have waited a little before venturing upon any expression of my 
deep sympathy for you and yours. Even now I hesitate, because I am 
so much a stranger. In my visits, last summer, to my mother. Mrs. Hub- 
bard, I have met you a few times, only. But if I seem an intruder, let 
me hope that the deep respect with which your husband inspired me, 
whenever I had a word with him, may plead my excuse. 

This is no common loss which has befallen the public, for Gov. Bodwell 
was no common man. I met him first some yeai-s ago, when with my 
sister he canvassed the question of a building for the Hallowell Library. 
I remember what I afterwards said of him to her. 1 have never forgotten 
the cordial, honest, whole-souled man he seemed to me in that first 
interview, and the chance meetings I have since enjoyed have served to 
strengthen my confidence in his worth. 

It is a noble and useful life that has thus suddenly ended here, but it is 
not for the good man himself that I grieve. Perhaps it is as he would 
have wislied. Perhaps, as mj'- own dear father, lie would have chosen to 
go with powers untouched by age. My sorrow is not for iiim. It is for 
the State that has lost the guidance of that steady hand ; for my native 
town, that must sorely miss her true-hearted citizen ; most of all, for the 
liome he loved and gladdened. I know how much must have gone from 
you with him. Accept the sympathy I can poorl}^ frame in words. 

Very sincerely. 

VIRGINIA H. CURTIS. 



63 



Dear Mrs. Bod well : 

I have just read of your sad bereavement and my heart aches for you 
and Mrs. Paine, and my own sorrow is brought freshly to my mind. I 
Avish that it were in my power to say sometliing that might be in some 
measure a help to you now; but the mission of sorrow cannot be under- 
stood by US poor mortals while our grief is fresh, and time, only, performs 
for us the chastening work that our good Father intends. Human sym- 
pathy was very grateful to me in my trouble, and that you have mine 
now'be assured. With love for yourself and Mrs. Paine, 

Your sincere friend, 

A. L. METCALF. 

141 East 16th St., New York, Dec. 17th, 1887. 



Dear Mrs. Bodwell: 



Vassalboro', Dec. 19, 1887. 



It is vain for me to attempt to offer consolation in this, your terrible 
affliction; but I wish to express something of the sorrow we feel at the 
death ot Gov. Bod well. During the past years he, by his kindness, has 
endeared himself to each member of our family. How well I remember 
when, four years ago, at Indianapolis, my own father's life hung as by a 
thread. Mr. Bod well stood by and helped me to care for him* till mother 
could come. Six months later, when our dear Will was so suddenly 
taken, Mr. Bodwell came to us quickly as possible, and we felt that his 
great heart was moved in sympathy for us. And now we each feel a per- 
sonal loss and grief. Father and Clara were fully intending to go to 
Hallowell yesterday, but because of father's feeble condition and the 
severity of the storm, they very reluctantly gave it up. 

Please give kindest regards to Mrs. Paine, and say how our hearts ache 
for her in her great sorrow. 

With feelings of deepest sympathy, in which all here join, 

I am yours truly, 

ANNIE O. BURLEIGH. 



EOCKLAND, Dee, 15th, 1887. 
Mrs. J. R. BODTVELL. 

My dear Madam : 
Please accept my sincere sympathj"- for you in your heavy affliction. 
We all feel deeply for, and join with you in mourning the irreparable 
loss which you have sustained. Expressions of son-ow and sympathy 
for you are universal. Nothing more can be said on so sad an occasion 
as this than to express the hope that the knowledge that every citizen of 
the State deplores and keenly feels your sudden bereavement, may tend 
in some slight degree to lighten your burdens and alleviate your sorrow. 

I remain very sincerely yours, 

C. E. LITTLE FIELD. 



Norway, Me., Dec. 15th, 1887. 
My Dear Mrs. Bodwell : 

My heartfelt sj^mpathy goes out in your behalf at the great loss you 
have sustained by the death of your kind husband. I condole with you 
most sincerely on the sad event, and be assured that all who knew him 
share in your sorrow at this hour. 



64 



A kind husband and father, a good counsellor and friend, has passed 
on to enjoy the reward of a well-spent life. 

Commending you to Him who doeth all things well, I remain 

Yours sincerely, 

GEORGE L. BEAL. 



A telegram was received from Governor Sawyer of New 
Hampshire, and Governor Ames of Massachusetts sent the 
following note to Governor Marble : 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ^ 
Executive Department, [ 
Boston, Dec. 20, 1887. J 
My Dear Sir : 

I deeply regret that my official duties are such that I cannot attend the 
obsequies of your predecessor in office, the Hon. Joseph R. Bodwell. I 
shall be represented thereat by my Adjutant General, Samuel Dalton, and 
by other members of ray military staff. Personally I am grieved at the 
death of soiable, energetic, earnest and honest a man as Governor Bod- 
well, and officially I can say that the people of this commonwealth have 
heard with sorrow that one who was of their number and who had 
attained such eminence by force of worth, has at a comparatively early 
time been called away from the affairs of earth in which he dealt so wisely. 
Assuring you of my best wishes for your success and happiness in your 
official career, I am yours sincerely, 

OLIVER AMES, 

Governor of Massachusetts. 



Note. — On page 8, it is stated that Hon. Moses Webster died at Rock- 
land. It should have been at Vinalhaveu, where he ever resided after he 
came to Maine. 



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